Schinia niveicosta

Smith, 1906

Spanish Needles Flower Moth

Schinia niveicosta is a noctuid found in the southwestern United States. are recorded primarily in March and April, with additional records from May and September through November, as well as January and February. The species is associated with the plant Palafoxia linearis, on which its larvae feed. The Spanish Needles Flower Moth reflects its presumed association with flowers of its host plant.

Schinia niveicosta1 by Unspecified. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.Schinia niveicosta MEM365988 by Mississippi Entomological Museum. Used under a CC0 license.Schinia niveicosta2 by Unspecified. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schinia niveicosta: /ˈskɪniə ˌnɪviˈkɔstə/

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Habitat

Associated with supporting the plant Palafoxia linearis, which occurs in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States.

Distribution

Southwestern Utah, western and southeastern Arizona, southern California, and southern Nevada.

Seasonality

Most recorded in March and April; additional records from May, September through November, and January through February.

Diet

Larvae feed on Palafoxia linearis (Spanish needles), a member of the Asteraceae .

Host Associations

  • Palafoxia linearis - larval plantLarvae feed on this plant .

Similar Taxa

  • Other Schinia speciesThe Schinia contains over 100 in North America, many with similar flower-associated habits and colorful appearance. Specific identification requires examination of diagnostic morphological features.

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Heliothis niveicosta by Smith in 1906, later transferred to the Schinia.

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Sources and further reading