Skip to main content
ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #140906
Title: Revised status of Schinia Unimacula Smith including morphological comaprisons with Schinia Obliqua Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae)

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

Submitted to: Journal of Lepidopterists Society
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 6/20/2003
Publication Date: 6/30/2003
Citation: Pogue, M.G., Harp, C.E. 2003. Revised status of Schinia Unimacula Smith including morphological comaprisons with Schinia Obliqua Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae). Journal of Lepidopterists Society. 226:1-8.

Interpretive Summary: Cutworm moths in the family Noctuidae are major agricultural pests causing billions of dollars of damage annually. Many species are difficult to distinguish. The species treated in this paper are related to the most destructive cutworm moth species in the United States that destroy millions of dollars of corn, cotton, and tobacco. Our research indicated that one species of moth was being confused with a different closely related moth. This was determined by examining internal structures and illustrating them for the first time. The results will be important to scientists, ecologists, biodiversity surveys, and economic entomologists. Also, APHIS, PPQ inspectors and identifiers will use this information.

Technical Abstract: The revised status of Schinia unimacula is defended, based on differences in maculation and male and female genitalic structures. Schinia coolidgei Hill remains a synonym of S. unimacula. Genitalia of both sexes of S. unimacula and S. obliqua are described and illustrated for the first time.