Page 326 - The Book of Caterpillars: A Life-Size Guide to Six Hundred Species From Around the World

MOTH CATERPILLARS

FAMILY Zygaenidae
DISTRIBUTION Across Mediterranean Europe and the Balkans, into southern
Russia and the Caucasus
HABITAT Forest margins, dry scrubby grasslands, and embankments up
to 3,950 ft (1,200 m) elevation
HOST PLANTS Low-growing plants, including Lathyrus spp. and
vetch (Vicia spp.)
NOTE Plump caterpillar that is seen feeding on low-growing plants
CONSERVATION STATUS Not evaluated, but some subspecies are under threat

ADULT WINGSPAN

1⅛–1⅜ in (28–35 mm)

CATERPILLAR LENGTH
1 ⁄ in (30 mm)
ZYGAENA ROMEO
RETICENT BURNET
324
(DUPONCHEL, 1835)

The caterpillars of the Reticent Burnet moth hatch from oval,
cream-colored eggs laid in small clusters on the underside of
leaves. The larvae feed during the summer, when they are often
seen basking in the sun, then overwinter and resume feeding
and growing in spring. As a precaution against potentially
decimating weather conditions, a few individuals will then
overwinter once more to further the survival chances of the
species in their locality. This strategy is also believed to reduce
inbreeding. In late spring, the caterpillars spin a cocoon on the
host plant and pupate.

The striking red-spotted and black day- ying moth is on the

wing in June and July with a single generation. There are a
The Reticent Burnet caterpillar has a sluglike number of subspecies across the range, each with a slightly
shape with a pale yellow body. There are two different appearance, both for adult and caterpillar. Often,
rows of triangular-shaped black spots, transverse
bands of yellow, and tufts of white hairs. The Zygaena romeo is confused with Z. osterodensis, which has very
spiracles are black.
similar coloration, in both caterpillar and adult moth, and occurs
in the same area.

Actual size