Species Details
Schinia honesta
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum Read more about this collection »
Common NameBlack-spotted Gem
SeasonalityThe only Alberta data is a specimen collected July 14.
IdentificationA small (2.5-2.6 cm wingspan) black-and white day-flying moth. The forewing is white with a thick, rounded black basal streak, prominent large black reniform and orbicular spots, a wide black subterminal line with waved margins and a thin black terminal line. The hindwing has a black basal area joined with a large, black crescent discal spot and a wide black margin with a white spot near the anal angle, divided into 3 segments by the dark veins. Honesta has the same pattern as the prairie S. verna, but verna has an olive and reddish brown forewing whereas honesta is black. See also Heliothis borealis.
Scientific Name
Schinia honesta
Common Name
Black-spotted Gem
Habitat
Meadows, roadsides and other open areas in the mountains.
Seasonality
The only Alberta data is a specimen collected July 14.
Identification
A small (2.5-2.6 cm wingspan) black-and white day-flying moth. The forewing is white with a thick, rounded black basal streak, prominent large black reniform and orbicular spots, a wide black subterminal line with…
A small (2.5-2.6 cm wingspan) black-and white day-flying moth. The forewing is white with a thick, rounded black basal streak, prominent large black reniform and orbicular spots, a wide black subterminal line with waved margins and a thin black terminal line. The hindwing has a black basal area joined with a large, black crescent discal spot and a wide black margin with a white spot near the anal angle, divided into 3 segments by the dark veins. Honesta has the same pattern as the prairie S. verna, but verna has an olive and reddish brown forewing whereas honesta is black. See also Heliothis borealis.
Life History
Other than the fact this species is found in the mountains, little of it's life history is known. At least some individuals are diurnal. The immature stages are unknown.
Conservation
There is a single Alberta record; globally secure..
Diet Info
Apparently not known. The closely related S. verna utilizes pussytoes (Antennaria sp.).
Range
In the mountains from extreme southwestern Alberta and southern BC south to Colorado and California. In Alberta known only from the Castle River just south of Beaver Mines.
Citation
Page Citation for Schinia honesta
Page Citation
"Species Details - Schinia honesta, University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum." University of Alberta Museums Search Site, https://search.museums.ualberta.ca/g/2-283. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
References
Author
Hardwick, D. F.
Title
A monograph to the North American Heliothentinae (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
Publication Date
1996
Pages
281
Specimen Information
There are 2 specimens of this Species.
UASM19604 - Schinia honesta
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Windsor Mountain
Collected ByLawrie, D.
Date Collected2000-07-14
UASM99235 - Schinia honesta
University of Alberta E.H. Strickland Entomological Museum
Place CollectedCanada: Alberta, Castle River
Collected ByShigematsu, S.
Date Collected1963-06-28