Page 324 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Zygaenidae
DISTRIBUTION Across Europe to western Asia
HABITAT Woodland glades, meadows, and coastal cli s
HOST PLANTS Legumes (Fabaceae), including Lathyrus spp., Lotus spp.,
and Trifolium spp.
NOTE Caterpillar whose black and yellow colors warn of its toxicity
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but common throughout its range

ADULT WINGSPAN
1 –1½ in (30–38 mm)
CATERPILLAR LENGTH
¾–⅞ in (20–22 mm)
ZYGAENA FILIPENDULAE
SIX-SPOT BURNET
322
(LINNAEUS, 1758)

The female Six-spot Burnet lays her eggs in small groups on the
leaves of the host plant. The emerging caterpillars feed and then
overwinter, becoming active the following spring. Occasionally
they may overwinter twice. From the host plant they feed on, the
caterpillars acquire cyanogenic compounds and can also create
them. These compounds are protective, making the larvae,
which release cyanide if attacked, highly distasteful to predators.
The mature caterpillars pupate in a yellow, boat-shaped, papery
cocoon attached to old grass stalks.

The brightly colored, day-flying moths, which are found
living in colonies, emerge and are active in midsummer.
Their distinctive black forewings with red spots and crimson
hindwings warn would-be predators that, like the caterpillars,
they are distasteful because of the presence of cyanogenic
glucosides. The chemicals are passed from the caterpillars onto
the adults to give them protection; the eggs laid by the female
are also laced with the toxic compounds.

The Six-spot Burnet caterpillar has
a dumpy shape with tapered ends.
It is pale yellow green with rows of
black spots, which gives it a speckled
appearance. The disruptive coloration
provides camou age among the
leaves of its host plant. The body is
covered in tufts of short, white hairs.

Actual size