A specimen of the Transparent Burnet (Zygaena purpuralis) of the extinct subspecies segontii. Always a very local subspecies, it was confined to the Lleyn Peninsula, North Wales, UK. The last recorded sighting of it was in 1962. This particular specimen was collected at Abersoch in 1937 by the famous evolutionary biologist H. D. B. Kettlewell, of "Peppered Moth" fame, whose research has, in recent years, been much-maligned by crackpot creationists. Although slightly worn, because of its history, this wonderful specimen ranks as one of my finest entomological treasures! Wingspan: 28mm.

Image © Norman Day. Please do not reproduce without permission.
(High quality original available - please enquire).