Moths of the British Isles

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There is a great variety of different moths. They come in many sizes and colours and unlike their relatives the butterflies they can be active day or night.

Foresters and Burnets are in the Zygaenidae Family and are all day flying moths. Britain and Ireland hold 10 of this family while worldwide there is about 1,000 species. Foresters and Burnets are both poisonous, releasing hydrocyanic acid which they get from their food plants. This protects them from predators such as birds.

The foresters despite their name don't live in forests but in grasslands and heathland. Their name comes from their colour which is 'Lincoln Green' from Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest.

Forester and Burnet Family