Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204
Schinia citrinellus
This record describes Schinia citrinellus (species). Recorded family: Noctuidae. Recorded order: Lepidoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Grote & Robinson original description as Heliothis citrinellus is available in the print references. Most diagnostic examples have a pale yellow forewing with a dark discal dot, and a broad black terminal band on the hindwing. The band is broken and faded in many examples. However, some populations may lack both the spot and the terminal band entirely, and may closely resemble luxa . Specimen identified by DNA analysis (BOLD) Nocturnal with no daytime activity reported for adults, unlike many Schinia species.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Lepidoptera (Butterflies and Moths)
- Superfamily
- Noctuoidea
- Family
- Noctuidae (Owlet Moths)
- Subfamily
- Heliothinae
- Genus
- Schinia (Flower Moths)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Southwest United States. ( 5 ) , ( 7 ) Type locality: USA: Texas. Moth Photographers Group map
Seasonal Activity
The flight period is March to October. ( 5 ) Apparently two broods. ( 8 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The larvae feed on Croton species including, Croton californicus Müll. Arg. (California croton). ( 8 )
Life History
Eggs are deposited on the new flower buds or within newly opened blooms. ( 8 ) Notes on the life cycle and description of the larvae can be found in the PDF. ( 8 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: citrin - Greek for lemon which refers to the pale yellow color of the forewing. ( 4 )
About Butterflies and Moths: the wider group
Order-level background for Lepidoptera, the group containing Schinia citrinellus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Lepidoptera includes approximately 180,000 described species of butterflies and moths. Moths outnumber butterflies roughly 10:1. The monarch butterfly's eastern population has declined by more than 80% since the mid-1990s, and the western population by over 95% since the 1980s. The IUCN lists the migratory monarch as Vulnerable.
Ecological role of the group
Butterflies and moths are essential indicators of ecosystem health. As caterpillars, they are a primary food source for birds - a single nest of blue tit chicks requires ~10,000 caterpillars. Adult moths pollinate many night-blooming plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Lepidoptera are critical pollinators. In Europe, grassland butterfly species have declined by almost 50% since the early 1990s. In the UK, three-quarters of butterflies are in decline. In the U.S., five butterfly species have gone extinct since 1950, with 29 listed as endangered.
Recorded sources for this group: IUCN Red List, Xerces Society, USFWS, PNAS, WWF. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204 (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Maury J. Heiman; Additional contributions by James Bailey
Frequently Asked Questions About Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204
What is Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204?
Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204 (Schinia citrinellus) is a species in the family Noctuidae, within the order Lepidoptera.
How big is Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204?
Wingspan is 23-27 mm. ,
How do you identify Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204?
Grote & Robinson original description as Heliothis citrinellus is available in the print references. Most diagnostic examples have a pale yellow forewing with a dark discal dot, and a broad black terminal band on the hindwing. The band is broken and faded in many examples. However, some populations may lack both the spot and the terminal band entirely, and may closely resemble luxa . Specimen identified by DNA analysis (BOLD)
Where is Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204 found?
Range: Southwest United States. ( 5 ) , ( 7 ) Type locality: USA: Texas. Moth Photographers Group map
What does Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204 eat?
The diet of the Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204 includes The larvae feed on Croton species including, Croton californicus Müll. Arg. (California croton). ( 8 ).
When is Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204 active?
Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204: seasonal activity - The flight period is March to October. ( 5 ) Apparently two broods. ( 8 ).
What is the life cycle of a Schinia citrinellus - Hodges#11204?
Eggs are deposited on the new flower buds or within newly opened blooms. ( 8 ) Notes on the life cycle and description of the larvae can be found in the PDF. ( 8 )