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Title: A review of the Schinia Tertia (Grote) Species Complex (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae)

Author
item Pogue, Michael
item HARP, CHARLES - LITTLETON, CO

Submitted to: Zootaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/12/2004
Publication Date: 3/25/2004
Citation: Pogue, M.G., Harp, C.E. 2004. A review of the Schinia Tertia (Grote) Species Complex (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae). Zootaxa. 473:1-32.

Interpretive Summary: Cutworm moths are major agricultural pests causing billions of dollars of damage annually. Species such as the corn earworm and tobacco budworm destroy millions of dollars of corn, cotton, and tobacco. Many species of these and related groups of moths are difficult to distinguish, and studies of their life histories and food plants can help in separating closely related species. This research distinguishes four species, two of which were once considered the same. Their separation is supported by morphological, food plant, and distributional data. These four closely related species are differentiated, described, and illustrated. The results will be important to scientists, ecologists, economic entomologists, and those interested in biodiversity studies; APHIS, PPQ inspectors and identifiers will use this information.

Technical Abstract: Four closely related species of Schinia are diagnosed using characters of maculation, genitalia, larval host plants, and distribution. The revised status of Schinia albafascia Smith and Schinia barunnea Barnes and McDunnough are based on differences in wing maculation and male and female genitalic structures. The revised synonymy of Schinia megarena Smith with Schinia tertia (Grote) is discussed. Male and female genitalia are described and illustrated for the first time for all species.