Hodges#11155

Schinia miniana

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Lepidoptera
Superfamily: Noctuoidea
Family: Noctuidae
Subfamily: Heliothinae
Genus: Schinia
Species: miniana

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schinia miniana: //ˈskiː.ni.ə ˈmɪn.i.ˌæn.ə//

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Summary

Schinia miniana, also known as the desert-marigold moth, is a moth of the family Noctuidae, first described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1881. It primarily inhabits desert regions and feeds on flowers from specific plants. The moth has a wingspan of 19–24 mm and is characterized by its distinctive forewing coloration.

Physical Characteristics

The adult moth has a forewing length of 10-12 mm with a light brownish-yellow coloration featuring broad pale antemedian (AM) and postmedian (PM) lines. The AM line is almost straight, while the PM line is gently sinuous. A reddish line or shading is often present in the subterminal area and sometimes in the median area. The hindwing is gray, with a variably intense to faint reddish tint, which may sometimes be lacking.

Identification Tips

Look for the light brownish-yellow forewings with broad pale AM and PM lines. The reddish line or shading in the subterminal area may help in identification.

Habitat

Desert environments, specifically associated with the flowers of laxflower (Baileya pauciradiata) and desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata).

Distribution

Found in North America from California to western Texas, north to Colorado and Nevada, and south into Mexico.

Diet

The larvae feed on the flowers of laxflower (Baileya pauciradiata) and desert marigold (Baileya multiradiata).

Life Cycle

The flight period appears to be from March to September.

Ecosystem Role

Part of the desert ecosystem, specifically linked to the plant species Baileya, which may support local food webs.

Evolution

Part of the genus Schinia, which includes 123 species listed in North America north of Mexico according to Lafontaine & Schmidt (2010).

Similar Taxa

Schinia pallicincta