Schinia bicuspida

Smith, 1891

Schinia bicuspida is a small noctuid with a wingspan of approximately 23 mm. It occurs across the south-central and southwestern United States. The larvae feed on specific plants in the aster , including Isocoma drummondii and Machaeranthera annua. Like other members of the Schinia, are likely associated with the flowers of their larval host plants.

CATALOGUE-BM-PLATE LXIX by Sir GEORGE F. HAMPSON, Bart.. Used under a Public domain license.

Schinia bicuspida by Unspecified. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.

Schinia bicuspida1 by Unspecified. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schinia bicuspida: /ˈskiːnɪə baɪˈkʌspɪdə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Schinia by geographic distribution and association with specific plants. Positive identification requires examination of genitalia or comparison with reference specimens. The species name 'bicuspida' refers to a two-pointed structure, likely a diagnostic genitalic character.

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Habitat

Associated with supporting its larval plants Isocoma drummondii and Machaeranthera annua. These plants occur in dry, open areas including prairies, grasslands, and desert scrub in the south-central United States.

Distribution

South-central and southwestern United States: Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas, and Utah.

Diet

Larvae feed on Isocoma drummondii and Machaeranthera annua (both Asteraceae). feeding habits not documented.

Host Associations

Isocoma drummondii - larval
Machaeranthera annua - larval

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on specific asteraceous plants. Potential as , as suggested by of related Schinia .

Similar Taxa

Other Schinia speciesMany Schinia are similar in size and general appearance; identification requires examination of genitalia or plant association.

More Details

Taxonomic note

The epithet 'bicuspida' refers to a morphological feature, likely in the male genitalia, with two pointed projections.