Schinia bimatris

Harvey, 1875

White Flower Moth

Schinia bimatris, commonly known as the White Flower , is a small noctuid moth found in the south-central and south-eastern United States and in a disjunct in Manitoba, Canada. The species is designated as Endangered under Canada's Species At Risk Act. are distinctive in their entirely white wings, , and with an orange , and have a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. The larval stage remains undescribed, and the plant relationship is poorly understood, though Nuttall's Evening-primrose (Oenothera nuttallii) has been suggested as a possible food source.

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

Schinia bimatris adult by Friesen5000. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schinia bimatris: /ˈskɪniə baɪˈmeɪtrɪs/

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Identification

The entirely white wings and body combined with the orange create a distinctive appearance that separates this from most other North American noctuids. The uniform white coloration without patterning or markings is unusual within the Schinia, which typically includes more colorful and patterned species. The small size (30 mm wingspan) and specific associations (coastal longleaf pine woodlands in the U.S., open sand dunes in Canada) provide additional distinguishing characteristics. The Manitoba is geographically isolated from the main U.S. range.

Images

Appearance

have completely white wings, , and . The is orange. Wingspan is approximately 30 mm (1.2 in). The larval appearance is unknown.

Habitat

In the United States, found in coastal longleaf pine woodlands. In Canada, restricted to open sand dune areas in the Carberry sandhills of Manitoba.

Distribution

South-central and south-eastern United States. Disjunct in the Carberry sandhills, Manitoba, Canada. GBIF records also indicate presence in Saskatchewan, Canada.

Diet

have been observed flying during the day, suggesting possible nectar feeding . The larval food plant has yet to be determined, though Nuttall's Evening-primrose (Oenothera nuttallii) has been suggested as a potential .

Host Associations

Oenothera nuttallii - possible larval Suggested but not confirmed; larval food plant undetermined

Life Cycle

Larval stage undescribed. stage known. Specific details including number of per year and stage are unknown.

Behavior

are primarily but have been observed flying during the day.

Human Relevance

Designated as Endangered under Canada's at Risk Act and Manitoba's and Act. The Manitoba is of conservation concern due to its restricted range in open sand dune .

Similar Taxa

Other Schinia speciesMost Schinia exhibit more colorful and patterned wing coloration, often with pink, yellow, or brown markings, and are typically associated with specific plant flowers where they rest and feed.

More Details

Conservation Status

The is listed as Endangered in Canada due to loss and degradation of sand dune . The Manitoba is particularly vulnerable given its geographic isolation.

Taxonomic History

Originally described by Leon F. Harvey in 1875 as Pippona bimatris from specimens collected in Bosque County, Texas by Gustav Belfrage, and later transferred to the Schinia.