Schinia rivulosa

Guenée, 1852

Ragweed Flower Moth

Schinia rivulosa, the ragweed flower moth, is a small noctuid found across much of North America. It is , with one per year, and is tightly associated with ragweed (Ambrosia) as a larval . are active from July to October and are often observed visiting flowers for nectar.

Schinia rivulosa by Unspecified. Used under a Copyrighted free use license.Schinia rivulosa 10809983 by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC BY 4.0 license.Schinia rivulosa P1300366b by xpda. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schinia rivulosa: /ˈskiː.ni.ə rɪˈvjuː.lə.sə/

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

Identification

The can be distinguished from other Schinia by its association with Ambrosia plants and its specific period. The Schinia contains over 120 North American species, many with similar flower-mimicking coloration; accurate identification often requires examination of genitalia or confirmation of host plant association.

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Appearance

have a wingspan of 25–31 mm. The exhibits the colorful patterning typical of the Schinia, with wing coloration that provides camouflage against the flowers of its plants.

Habitat

Found in open where ragweed (Ambrosia) grows, including prairies, fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas. The 's distribution closely tracks that of its larval plants.

Distribution

North America, from Quebec to Florida, west to Arizona, north to Oregon and North Dakota. Present in Vermont according to distribution records.

Seasonality

fly from July to October depending on location, with peak activity varying by latitude. There is one per year.

Diet

Larvae feed on Ambrosia (ragweed), consuming flowers and later seed pods. have been observed visiting flowers for nectar.

Host Associations

  • Ambrosia - larval larvae feed on flowers and seed pods

Life Cycle

(one per year). Larvae develop on Ambrosia plants, feeding on flowers and seed pods. occurs in the soil. emerge in mid-to-late summer and are active through autumn.

Behavior

are and attracted to light. They visit flowers for nectar and rest on blossoms where their coloration provides camouflage. The is part of a known for flower-mimicking appearance that aids in avoiding while feeding or resting on flowers.

Ecological Role

As a herbivore on Ambrosia, the contributes to natural control of ragweed . The larvae are flower and seed , potentially limiting ragweed . serve as when visiting flowers for nectar.

Human Relevance

The has no direct economic importance, though its larval feeding on ragweed could be viewed as beneficial given ragweed's status as a major allergen source for humans. The species is of interest to lepidopterists and naturalists.

Similar Taxa

  • Other Schinia speciesOver 120 in North America with similar size, flower-associated , and colorful wing patterns; many require dissection or plant confirmation for reliable identification
  • Schinia jaguarinaAnother flower moth in the same with similar flower-visiting , but associated with different plants (Dalea, Petalostemon)

More Details

Taxonomic history

Originally described as Anthoecia rivulosa by Guenée in 1852, later transferred to Schinia.

Collection interest

The Schinia is popular among lepidopterists; the unusual license plate 'Schinia' observed on a lepidopterist's vehicle in Oklahoma reflects this collector interest.

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Sources and further reading