Burnet companion

About

The burnet companion is a day-flying moth found on a range of grasslands, from flower-filled meadows to verges and woodland rides. It is often found flying alongside butterflies and other day-flying moths (especially the dingy skipper butterfly and Mother Shipton moth), occasionally including burnet moths - hence the name, burnet companion.

Burnet companions can be seen flying from May to July, on sunny days but also on warmer, overcast days. They are easily disturbed from roosting spots in long grass, when they will fly rapidly for a short distance before settling down again. They often settle with their wings partly open, revealing the bright orange-yellow hindwings.

How to identify

The burnet companion has warm grey-brown forewings, sometimes with a purplish tinge, with two darker brown bands crossing them and a dark splotch near each wingtip. The hindwings are bright orange-yellow with dark wavy lines.

Did you know?

The caterpillars of the burnet companion feed on a variety of plants, including bird's-foot-trefoil, clovers, and tufted vetch. They feed at night, spending the day resting on stems. You can see them from June until around September, when they hide amongst plant litter on the floor and pupate, ready for the adults to emerge in spring.