Zygaena rubicundus
# Zygaena rubicundus

Zygaena rubicundus, common name fulvous burnet,. is a species of moth in the family Zygaenidae.

## Etymology

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

## Distribution and habitat

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

## Description

Zygaena rubicundus can reach a wingspan of 27–35 mm (1.1–1.4 in). 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.

This species is closely related to Zygaena contaminei.

## Biology

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

