Schinia cumatilis

Grote, 1865

silver-banded gem, Silver-banded Gem Moth

Schinia cumatilis is a small noctuid known as the silver-banded gem, first described by Grote in 1865. The occurs across western North America from the southwestern United States into southern Canada. have a wingspan of approximately 24–27 mm. The larvae are feeders on Artemisia frigida.

Schinia cumatilis by (c) Steve Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Steve Taylor. Used under a CC-BY license.

Schinia cumatilis by (c) Colin Croft, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Colin Croft. Used under a CC-BY license.

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

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schinia cumatilis: /ˈʃɪniə kjuˈmætɪlɪs/

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

Identification

can be distinguished from other Schinia by the silver band referenced in the , though specific diagnostic features require examination of specimens. The small size (24–27 mm wingspan) and western North American distribution help narrow identification within the .

Images

Habitat

Associated with supporting its larval plant, Artemisia frigida. Specific habitat preferences for are not documented.

Distribution

Western North America, ranging from the southwestern United States northward into southern Canada. Documented from the Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

Diet

Larvae feed exclusively on Artemisia frigida (fringed sagebrush). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Artemisia frigida - larval plant association; larvae feed on this

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Specific details of development timing and stage are not documented.

Behavior

are likely , as is typical for Noctuidae, though this is not explicitly confirmed for this . Larvae feed on flowers and seed pods of the plant, as is characteristic of the Schinia.

Ecological Role

Larval herbivore on Artemisia frigida. Potential as . Specific ecological impacts are not documented.

Similar Taxa

Other Schinia speciesMany Schinia are small, colorful noctuids with similar ; identification often requires examination of genitalia or detailed wing pattern analysis

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Euleucyptera cumatilis by Grote in 1865 before being transferred to Schinia.

Genus characteristics

Members of Schinia are known for their often bright coloration and close association with their plants; many rest on flowers of their larval hosts.