The Zygaenidae are a family of Lepidoptera (moths) typically day-flying with a slow fluttering flight, and with rather clubbed antennae. They generally have a metallic sheen and often prominent spots of red or yellow. The bright colours are a warning to predators that the moths are distasteful - they contain toxic substances throughout all stages of their life-cycle.

The majority of Zygaenids are tropical, but they are nevertheless quite well represented in temperate regions . Various species are commonly known as Burnet or Forester moths, often qualified by the number of spots.

Pest species in the family include

• Almond-tree leaf skeletonizer moth (Aglaope infausta)
• Vine bud moth (Theresimima ampellophaga)
• Grapeleaf skeletonizer (Harrisina americana)

10 Species are found in the UK.

• Scarce Forester (Adscita globulariae)
• Cistus Forester (Adscita geryon)
• Forester (Adscita statices)
• Scotch Burnet (Zygaena exulans)
• Slender Scotch Burnet (Zygaena loti)
• New Forest Burnet (Zygaena viciae)
• Six-spot Burnet (Zygaena filipendulae)
• Five-spot Burnet (Zygaena trifolii)
• Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet (Zygaena lonicerae)
• Transparent Burnet (Zygaena purpuralis)