These day-flying moths ae included on the 'Big Butterfly Coumt' checklist (Still time to join in).
Photo: Nikkan Woodhouse
They discourage predators such as birds, by being poisonous, emitting hydrogen cyanide if attacked.
Unsurprisingly their name comes from the fact that they have six red spots on each black wing, but the ones nearest the body are only separated by a thin vein so it looks like five spots. And sometimes the outer spots are fused.
But the six-spot is the commonest burnet moth and it is flying now, and nectaring on thistles and knapweeds.
The caterpillars feed on birdsfoot trefoil and other leguminous plants.
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