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On the Estonian mainland two burnet moth species are most abundant – the New Forest burnet (Zygaena viciae)and the narrow-bordered five spot burnet (Zygaena lonicerae). On Saaremaa the diaphanous burnet moth (Zygaena diaphana)  can be found. A few other species occur locally but these are best left to enthomologists to identify – the six-spot burnet moth (Zygaena filipendulae) and the Zygaena osterodensis. All belong to the butterfly order, Lepidoptera.

 

With their looks these moths don’t have to conceal themselves particularly: the red-black colouring is a warning signal to all around them. Neither are they shy of humans, they can even let themselves be taken in the hand. The yellow liquid that these moths secrete is poisonous to birds.