Schinia psamathea

Pogue, 2010

A small noctuid in the Schinia, described in 2010 and to the southeastern United States coastal plain. It is distinguished within its genus by unusually simple wing patterns and strong association with sandy coastal . fly during daylight hours in autumn and are attracted to light.

Schinia psamathea MEM94471 by Mississippi Entomological Museum. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schinia psamathea: /ˈskɪniə psəˈmæθiə/

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Identification

Distinguished from all other Schinia by its simplified wing pattern—lacking the complex bands, spots, or contrasting colors typical of the . The combination of plain forewings with only a sinuate dark postmedial line and unmarked solid hindwings is diagnostic. The sandy coastal also helps narrow identification.

Images

Appearance

Small with forewing length 12.6–14.2 mm in males and 12.6–13.8 mm in females. Forewing pattern is notably simple for the , consisting only of a slightly sinuate dark-brown postmedial line on an otherwise plain background. Hindwing is solid-colored without pattern. This reduced pattern is unique among Schinia .

Habitat

Sandy soils in dune-type or near sandy beaches. Associated with coastal plain environments.

Distribution

Southeastern United States: east-central Georgia southwestward through Florida Panhandle, southeastern Alabama, and southwestern Mississippi.

Seasonality

fly from 7 September through end of October, with peak abundance in mid-October. Active during mid- to late afternoon.

Host Associations

Chrysoma pauciflosculosa - possible larval Larval feeding has been suggested but not confirmed

Behavior

activity with flying in mid- to late afternoon. Fast, darting pattern similar to other day-flying Schinia . Adults visit flowers for nectar and are attracted to light.

Similar Taxa

Other Schinia speciesAll other in the have more complex forewing patterns with additional lines, bands, or spots; S. psamathea is unique in its pattern reduction

More Details

Etymology

The specific epithet derives from Greek 'psamathos' (sand of the seashore), referring to the plural sandy coastal this inhabits.