What to look for

Useful ID tips

Basic vocabulary and diagnostic features

Vocabulary

Types of antennae

Numbering the spots

Wing spots image

Notes

Individual specimens of several species of Burnet moths are susceptible to local (geographic) variations, (variations in size of some specimens,  variations in the size and shape of the spots).

The criteria used for this ID key are relevant for the species to be found in the Midi-Pyrénées and Languedoc-Roussillon, nevertheless, one has to keep in mind that there will always be some specimens which are atypical. In certain cases, it may not be possible, to make a positive identification.

N.B.  Over time the wings may become duller and damaged by attacks from predators, wet weather, vegetation friction etc. Certain diagnostic features that are essential for  identification may no longer be visible.