How many spots?

[Pete Collins]

I saw both of these moths yesterday, in South Bedfordshire. Are they Six-spot Burnet moths, where two of the spots have merged, or are they Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet moths? It's the wrong part of the country for Five-spot Burnet moths, I think.

Thanks very much,

Pete

[Harry Eales]

Hello Pete,
They are Narrow-bordered five spot Burnets and are widely distributed over the greater part of the British mainland.

Your possibly confusing the distribution with the Five spot Burnet which is much more restricted.

Harry

[Pete Collins]

Thanks Harry!

Sorry, I could have made my post a bit clearer. Yes, I'd discovered that the Five-spot Burnet was very restricted in range, whereas the Narrow-bordered Five-spot Burnet is wide ranging.

I'm afraid I don't know anything about moths. I'd seen Six-spot Burnet moths a couple of years ago, so when I saw these yesterday in a similar location I assumed they were the same until I looked at my photos on the PC. I did remember there was a Five-spot Burnet, but until I looked on the web I'd not heard of the Narrow-bordered variety.

Thanks again.

Pete