Adscita geryon or statices (Forester or Cistus Forester)
below Crete de Gilly, Queyras
Four Adscita species are found in France. All look similar, with iridescent blue-green bodies and wings.
In the Alps, only two species are seen: Forester and Cistus Forester. This moth could be either species, as their appearance is so similar. The Forester is larger, with a proportionally larger head and less hairy thorax.
In the Alps, only two species are seen: Forester and Cistus Forester. This moth could be either species, as their appearance is so similar. The Forester is larger, with a proportionally larger head and less hairy thorax.
Zygaena exulans (Scotch Burnet)
Col de la Bonette, Alpes Maritimes
below Col de la Bonette, Alpes Maritimes
This species is a mountain specialist, and outside Scandinavia is entirely restricted to high mountains. The Scotch Burnet's common name derives from its occurrence in the Scottish Highlands, where it is very rare, but well-established. Outside of Scotland, the closest populations are in the Norwegian mountains and French Alps.
The Scotch Burnet is one of a number of species that combine red spots and blotches in their wing pattern. It also has a very distinctively-furry body, well-adapted to its cold, high-altitude habitat.
To distinguish the Scotch Burnet from similar species, several features are characteristic: there is a faint, but noticeable, white collar behind the head; the legs are noticeably white; the whole body is very hairy; the wings are distinctly transparent and the red spots are weakly-edged with a pale colour. The first spot, along the leading edges is generally the only one that appears as a streak.
In France, the Scotch Burnet is entirely restricted to the Alps and Pyrenees and is not found in any of the other upland areas.
The Scotch Burnet is one of a number of species that combine red spots and blotches in their wing pattern. It also has a very distinctively-furry body, well-adapted to its cold, high-altitude habitat.
To distinguish the Scotch Burnet from similar species, several features are characteristic: there is a faint, but noticeable, white collar behind the head; the legs are noticeably white; the whole body is very hairy; the wings are distinctly transparent and the red spots are weakly-edged with a pale colour. The first spot, along the leading edges is generally the only one that appears as a streak.
In France, the Scotch Burnet is entirely restricted to the Alps and Pyrenees and is not found in any of the other upland areas.
Zygaena purpuralis or minos (Transparent Burnet)
This widespread species is found across Europe from eastern France, with scattered (including Sicily). It is one of the species with a wing pattern comprising only streaks, not spots. This is a feature shared (in the French Alps) with Z.brizae, Z.erythrus and Z.minos.
The shape of the red streaks in this individual most closely resembles Z.purpuralis, but Z.minos cannot be ruled out unless genitalia are examined.
The shape of the red streaks in this individual most closely resembles Z.purpuralis, but Z.minos cannot be ruled out unless genitalia are examined.
Zygaena sp
Text coming soon, pending id.
Zygaena sp (possibly loti)
Zygaena loti is a very variable moth which occurs throughout most of France. It can be seen from the Pyrenees across nearly all of continental Europe and into Russia. Basic features of this species are the transparent wings with six spots (the two at the base and two at the tip are joined).
Nine subspecies are recognised in France, with two from the Alps: ssp. alpestris and ssp. janthina. Both subspecies lack a black border on the hindwing, so the moth shown here could well be a different species. Any advice is welcome!
Nine subspecies are recognised in France, with two from the Alps: ssp. alpestris and ssp. janthina. Both subspecies lack a black border on the hindwing, so the moth shown here could well be a different species. Any advice is welcome!
Zygaena transalpina ssp.helvetica (Southerly Burnet)
Col des Champs, Alpes Maritimes
As its name suggests, this boldly-marked zygaenid is largely restricted to the Alps, although it is also widespread in most of Italy.
Identification features for this variable species (more than 10 subspecies have been described and even more colour forms) are the broad hindwing wing border, six bold red spots and black antenna tips. The very similar Z. hippocrepidis has the two spots at the tip of the forewings touching. Ssp. helvetica occurs in the interior parts of the Maritime Alps and has smaller spots than the nominate subspecies, which does not occur in France.
Identification features for this variable species (more than 10 subspecies have been described and even more colour forms) are the broad hindwing wing border, six bold red spots and black antenna tips. The very similar Z. hippocrepidis has the two spots at the tip of the forewings touching. Ssp. helvetica occurs in the interior parts of the Maritime Alps and has smaller spots than the nominate subspecies, which does not occur in France.