Schinia saturata

Grote, 1874

Brown Flower Moth

Schinia saturata, commonly known as the Brown Flower Moth, is a noctuid native to the southern and central United States. First described by Augustus Radcliffe Grote in 1874, this small moth has a wingspan of approximately 25 mm. The completes one per year. Larvae are specialized feeders on two plant species in the Asteraceae .

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Pronunciation

How to pronounce Schinia saturata: /ˈskiːniə səˈtʊrətə/

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Identification

Distinguished from other Schinia by geographic distribution and larval plant associations. Specific diagnostic morphological features are not documented in available sources. Genitalia examination may be required for definitive identification from similar .

Images

Appearance

Small with wingspan approximately 25 mm. Specific coloration and pattern details are not documented in available sources.

Habitat

Associated with open supporting its larval plants Heterotheca subaxillaris and Pityopsis graminifolia, which typically occur in sandy or disturbed areas, roadsides, and open woodlands in the southeastern and south-central United States.

Distribution

United States: south Texas to South Dakota, southeast Arizona, and from Florida to South Carolina.

Seasonality

One per year. Specific period not documented in available sources.

Diet

Larvae feed specifically on Heterotheca subaxillaris and Pityopsis graminifolia (Asteraceae). feeding habits are not documented.

Host Associations

Heterotheca subaxillaris - larval food plantCamphorweed, a herb in the Asteraceae
Pityopsis graminifolia - larval food plantNarrowleaf silkgrass, a herb in the Asteraceae

Life Cycle

(one per year). Specific details of , larval, pupal, and stages are not documented in available sources.

Ecological Role

Herbivore as larvae; potential as (not confirmed). Specialized relationship with two Asteraceae suggests potential role in plant in its native range.

Human Relevance

No documented economic or agricultural significance. Not known to be a pest .

Similar Taxa

Other Schinia species Schinia contains numerous similar-appearing flower moths; many require dissection or plant association for reliable identification.

More Details

Taxonomic Note

The was originally described as Lygranthoecia saturata before transfer to Schinia. Some sources cite authorship as Walker, 1869, but Grote, 1874 is the accepted authority.

Conservation Status

Not evaluated; appears to be relatively common within its documented range based on iNaturalist observations (564 records).