Schinia carmosina

Neumoegen, 1883

Maroon Washed Flower Moth

Schinia carmosina, known as the Maroon Washed Flower , is a small noctuid moth to central Florida. have a wingspan of approximately 28 mm. The exhibits a with one per year. Larvae are specialized feeders on two plants: Carphephorus corymbosus and Garberia heterophylla. The species was formerly treated as a synonym of Schinia sanguinea but has since been reinstated as a valid species.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schinia carmosina: //ˈskɪniə kɑrmoʊˈzaɪnə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

Distinguished from the closely related Schinia sanguinea, with which it was formerly synonymized, by subtle differences in genitalia and geographic restriction to central Florida rather than the broader range of S. sanguinea. The small size (28 mm wingspan) and maroon coloration are characteristic, but definitive identification requires examination of genitalic structures.

Appearance

A small with a wingspan of approximately 28 mm. Coloration includes maroon washed tones as suggested by the . Specific pattern details beyond general coloration are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Found in supporting its larval plants Carphephorus corymbosus and Garberia heterophylla, which occur in Florida scrub and sandhill . Specific microhabitat preferences for are not documented.

Distribution

to central Florida, United States. No records from other regions are confirmed.

Seasonality

One per year (). Specific timing of period is not documented in available sources, but likely corresponds with flowering of plants.

Diet

Larvae feed exclusively on flowers and developing seed of Carphephorus corymbosus and Garberia heterophylla. feeding habits are not documented but are presumed to include nectar from flowers.

Host Associations

Carphephorus corymbosus - larval Larvae feed on flowers and seed
Garberia heterophylla - larval Larvae feed on flowers and seed

Life Cycle

with one per year. are laid on or near plant flowers. Larvae develop through feeding on flowers and seed of host plants. likely occurs in soil or leaf litter, though specific details are not documented. emerge to mate and continue the cycle.

Behavior

are likely or given characteristics, though specific behavioral observations are not documented. Larvae are flower and seed feeders, not leaf feeders.

Ecological Role

As a herbivore, larvae contribute to seed on their plants, potentially influencing plant reproductive success. The serves as a food source for and , though specific interactions are not documented.

Human Relevance

Of interest to lepidopterists due to its restricted range and taxonomic history. Not known to be of economic importance. The has been documented in citizen science platforms including iNaturalist.

Similar Taxa

Schinia sanguineaFormerly considered ; distinguished by genitalic and geographic distribution (S. sanguinea has broader range, not restricted to central Florida)
Other Schinia species contains over 100 North American , many with similar size and flower-associated ; identification to species requires detailed examination

More Details

Taxonomic History

Schinia carmosina was originally described by Neumoegen in 1883 but was subsequently treated as a synonym of Schinia sanguinea. It has since been reinstated as a valid based on morphological differences, particularly in genitalic structures.

Conservation Status

Not formally assessed by IUCN or other conservation bodies. The restricted range in central Florida suggests potential vulnerability to loss, but specific conservation concerns are not documented.