Schinia jaguarina

Guenée, 1852

Jaguar Flower Moth

Schinia jaguarina, commonly known as the Jaguar , is a first described by Achille Guenée in 1852. The species is distributed across the Great Plains and adjacent regions of North America, with records from Canada south through Mexico. are active primarily during summer months and are attracted to light. The are specialized feeders on leguminous plants.

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schinia jaguarina: //ˈskiːniə ˌdʒæɡjʊəˈraɪnə//

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

Identification

Distinguished from other Schinia by specific pattern elements and geographic distribution. The combination of small size (30 mm wingspan), Great Plains distribution, and association with legume flowers helps separate it from . Definitive identification may require examination of or comparison with reference specimens.

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Appearance

have a wingspan of approximately 30 mm. The exhibits the colorful patterns characteristic of the Schinia, which often aid in among flowers.

Habitat

Inhabits prairie and grassland , particularly areas supporting legume plants. Associated with shortgrass prairie and mixed-grass prairie . Found in open, sunny environments where Dalea and other leguminous plants occur.

Distribution

Great Plains of North America from Saskatchewan and Alberta south to Texas; eastward along the coast to Florida; westward in the south to Arizona. In Mexico, occurs south to Mexico City. Present in Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.

Seasonality

are on from June to July. Observed at light traps during National Week events in late July in Colorado.

Diet

feed on Baptisia, Pediomelum rhombifolium, Psoralidium tenuiflorum, and Trifolium. have been observed visiting flowers of Dalea candida ( Prairie Clover) for nectar.

Host Associations

  • Baptisia - larval
  • Pediomelum rhombifolium - larval
  • Psoralidium tenuiflorum - larval
  • Trifolium - larval
  • Dalea candida - nectar sourceobserved in Colorado

Life Cycle

with , larval, pupal, and stages. feed on flowers and seed pods of legumes. Specific details of site and stage are not documented in available sources.

Behavior

are and attracted to ultraviolet and mercury vapor lights. Active during summer months. feed on reproductive structures of plants. Adults may rest on flowers during daylight hours, using coloration for .

Ecological Role

Larval on leguminous plants; of Dalea and potentially other prairie flowers. Serves as for . Part of the diverse fauna supporting higher in prairie .

Human Relevance

Subject of interest for and enthusiasts; documented during National Moth Week citizen science events. No significant economic impact recorded; not considered a . Collected by researchers studying prairie moth diversity.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Schinia speciesShared characteristics including small size, colorful patterns, and floral associations; distinguished by specific wing pattern details and preferences
  • Flower moths in HeliothinaeSimilar as or flower visitors; Schinia jaguarina distinguished by activity pattern and specific geographic range

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Anthoecia jaguarina by Guenée in 1852 before transfer to Schinia

Citizen science documentation

Documented during National Week events at Cheyenne Mountain State Park, Colorado on July 28, 2018, and observed at light traps in Lyons, Colorado

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Sources and further reading