Schinia unimacula
Smith, 1891
Rabbitbush Flower Moth
A small flower moth in the Noctuidae with a wingspan of approximately 25 mm. are active from July to October across the western United States. The is closely associated with rabbitbrush (Ericameria) as its larval plant.



Pronunciation
How to pronounce Schinia unimacula: /ˈskiː.ni.ə juː.nɪˈmæk.jʊ.lə/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
The name 'unimacula' refers to a single spot, though specific wing pattern details are not documented in available sources. The small size (wingspan ~25 mm) and period (July–October) may help distinguish it from similar Schinia species.
Images
Habitat
Associated with rabbitbrush (Ericameria) in arid and semi-arid regions of western North America.
Distribution
Western North America: central Arizona and New Mexico north to Colorado, southwestern Wyoming, and Utah; west to Nevada and California; north to Oregon, Idaho, and Washington.
Seasonality
are on wing from July to October.
Diet
Larvae feed on Ericameria , specifically Ericameria nauseosa and Ericameria paniculata.
Host Associations
- Ericameria nauseosa - larval plant
- Ericameria paniculata - larval plant
Ecological Role
A herbivore on Ericameria (rabbitbrush), contributing to the of arid western shrubland .
Similar Taxa
- Schinia obliquaSimilar in the same ; morphological comparisons have been published to distinguish these . See: Revised status of Schinia unimacula Smith including morphological comparisons with Schinia obliqua Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae).
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- NCBI Taxonomy
- Catalogue of Life
- Meloidae Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
- Bug Eric: Wasp Wednesday: Not Wasp VIII
- Catch a Glimpse of Caterpillars During National Moth Week
- Bug Eric: White Prairie Clover: An Awesome Blossom
- Bug Eric: Remembering National Moth Week 2018
- Bug Eric: October 2018