Key facts
- Wingspan: 25 – 30mm
- Distribution: Only known from Scotland, with five sites across Mull, Ulva and Gometra
- Adult flight period: mid-June to early July
- Status: UK BAP Priority species; Red Data Book species (RDB3 – Rare)
- Species on the Edge areas: Argyll and Inner Hebrides
Species information
How to identify
The slender Scotch burnet moth has black wings with 5 red spots; the bottom spot is a rough heart or kidney shape. Its wings are thickly-scaled giving it a translucent appearance. it has a thickly-haired body. Its legs are straw coloured on the top. It has a wingspan of 25-30mm.
When to see
Caterpillars can be seen from April to May. The adult flight period is short, from mid-June to early July. It flies in strong sunshine. In poor weather it rests low down and can be difficult to find.
Distribution
The slender Scotch burnet is only known from Scotland, with five sites across Mull, Ulva and Gometra.
Habitat and feeding
Habitat: Grassy slopes by the sea, usually south or south-west facing, on short (<25cm) herb-rich grassland, associated with basalt rocks.
Feeding: Caterpillars feed on common bird’s-foot-trefoil (Lotus corniculatus). Male moths likes wild thyme and milkwort, while females usually nectar on bird’s-foot-trefoil.
Conservation status
- UK BAP: Priority Species
- Red Data Book species (RDB3 – Rare)
- Species Action Framework species
Threats
The main threat to the slender Scotch burnet is loss of suitable flower-rich habitat due to climate change, coastal development, and changes to grazing. Invasion by cottoneaster and bracken is a problem at some sites.
Management
This moth requires short turf and bare ground. This can be provided in part by inherent instability of sites (ie natural rockfalls/land slips). However, grazing, ideally by cattle, is desirable to poach the ground and prevent vegetation getting too rank.
What Species on the Edge is doing
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Increased monitoring and surveying, to better understand the species’s needs at all stages of the lifecycle.
- Working with landowners to better improve the connectivity and quality of slender Scotch burnet habitat.
- Engaging with local communities to increase awareness of the moth and to encourage grazing regimes that benefit it.
Gallery
