Zygaena romeo

Zygaena romeo is a moth of the Zygaenidae family.

Subspecies

 * Z. r. romeo
 * Z. r. adumbrata Burgeff, 1926
 * Z. r. calcanei Rauch, 1975
 * Z. r. freyeri Lederer, 1853
 * Z. r. lozerica Holik, 1944
 * Z. r. megorion Burgeiff, 1926
 * Z. r. neapolitana Calberla, 1895
 * Z. r. orion Herrich-Schaffer, 1843
 * Z. r. parvorion Holik, 1944
 * Z. r. planeixi Dujardin, 1971

Distribution
This species can bes found in south and southwest Alpine areas, in southern France, in the eastern Pyrenees and in most of Italy.

Habitat
These moths live on bushy forest edge with poor grassland, at an elevation of 500 - 1500 m above sea level.

Description
The wingspan is about 35 mm. The basic color of the forewings is dark blue, with various red markings. The 4th marking is drop-shaped and so big that often joins the 2nd marking. In case it does not join the 2nd, the 4th is very larger than the 3rd. Moreover the apex of the front wings is rounded.

This species is very similar to Zygaena osterodensis, but in the latter the five red spots are almost always confluent into each other forming two parallel stripes. Moroeover in Z. osterodensis the apex of the forewings is pointed.

Biology
The larvae feed on Vicia and Lathyrus. They are fully grown between late April and early June, depending on altitude. Adults are on the wing in June and July. They fly during the day.