Zygaena rubicundus

The Latin species name “rubicundus” means "high fiery red".[1]

This species is endemic to the mainland of Italy.[2][3] These moths prefer limestone grasslands, mountain slopes and open scrub with the host plant.[4]

Zygaena rubicundus

Mounted specimen

Zygaena rubicundus can reach a wingspan of 27–35 mm (1.1–1.4 in).[1] Seitz, A. describes Zygaena rubicundus as follows:- All the wings red, also the hindmargin, only the apex and distal margin of forewing bearing a black edge, which is a little more than 1 mm wide. In Central and South Italy. Very local.[5]

This species is closely related to Zygaena contaminei.[4]

These rather small diurnal moths develop a complete metamorphosis which involves a pupal stage (holometabolous). Adults are on the wing between June and August.[4][6] They visit flowers of Centranthus (Valerians). [7] The larvae feed mainly on Eryngium campestre and Eryngium amethystinum.[8][4][1]

• Hofmann, A.F. & W.G. Tremewan (2017): The Natural History of Burnet Moths (Zygaena Fabricius, 1775) (Lepidoptera: Zygaenidae). Part 1. – 630 S.; Munich – Vilnius (Proceedings of the Museum Witt).
• Erstbeschreibung: Hübner, J. [1793-1832]: Sammlung europäischer Schmetterlinge 2: pl. 1-38.

• Euroleps
• Hlasek
• Ibolli