About Zygaena lavandulae Esper, 1783
Zygaena lavandulae Esper, 1783 is a moth species with differing wingspan measurements between the sexes: males have a wingspan of 31–36 millimetres (1.2–1.4 inches), while females have a wingspan of 35–37 millimetres (1.4–1.5 inches). This species has a black head, a black thorax marked with a white collar, and a black abdomen that carries a faint blue gloss. The forewings are bluish, and bear five red spots each outlined by black or dark blue. Hindwings are bluish-black, with a very large red spot located on the distal portion. Female coloration is generally similar to that of males, but female forewings are typically bluish-green and have larger spots. This species is distributed across southern France, eastern Spain, Portugal, and Italy (only in central and western Liguria), and also occurs in North Africa, including Morocco. Zygaena lavandulae moths live primarily in rocky areas, dry woods, and grasslands with abundant groves. They are also found in Maquis shrubland, a habitat where Cistus species are widespread.
