Zygaena fausta is a member of the family Zygaenidae, the day-flying burnet moths.

Its bright aposematic colours of red, white and black on the wings indicate to possible predators such as birds that it is foul tasting or poisonous.

In flight, the bright red abdomen is revealed, contrasting with the white legs and black head and antennae; the thorax is black and white with an eye spot on each side (see image).

[3] The adults often visit a wide range of flowers including knapweed and eryngo.

The sexes are similar but not identical (see image); mating takes place by day on isolated plants.