Key facts
- Wingspan: 24 – 28mm
- Distribution: Only known from one site in Scotland
- When to see: June – July
- Status: UK BAP status: Priority Species; Endangered (Red Data Book category 1)
- Species on the Edge areas: Argyll and Inner Hebrides
Species information
How to identify
The New Forest burnet has a round-tipped forewing with five clearly defined red spots and a dark area beyond. It is smaller and stouter than the Five-spot burnet, with more slender and weakly clubbed antennae. The Five-spot burnet also has more pointed wings.
When to see
Adults are rather sedentary, though the male flies in warm, calm conditions during June. During inclement weather it conceals itself low down amongst the vegetation.
Distribution
The New Forest burnet is only known from one site on the west coast of Scotland.
Habitat and feeding
The New Forest burner is only known from a single steep, south-facing, herb-rich, grassy slope with rocky ledges. Meadow vetchling and common bird’s-foot-trefoil and the foodplants of New Forest burnet caterpillars. Wild thyme is the preferred nectar plan of the adult New Forest burnets.
Conservation status
- UK BAP: Priority Species
- Endangered (Red Data Book category 1)
Threats
The main threat to the New Forest burnet is loss of suitable flower-rich habitat due to over-grazing or encroachment by invasive species such as bracken.
Management
Light grazing to promote caterpillar foodplant and prevent vegetation getting too rank. However, overgrazing can be detrimental.
What Species on the Edge is doing
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Increased monitoring and surveying, to better understand the needs of all stage of the lifecycle.
- Working with landowners to better improve the connectivity and quality of New Forest burnet habitat.
- Engaging with local communities to increase awareness of the New Forest burnet and to encourage grazing regimes that benefit the moth.
Gallery
