Painted Schinia Moth
Common NamePainted Schinia Moth
Scientific NameSchinia gaurae
FamilyNoctuidae
SubfamilyHeliothinae
Wingspan (mm)24
Primary Colorsdark red, white, orange
HabitatPrairies, open fields, roadsides, and disturbed areas where host plants grow.
Geographic RangeEastern and Central North America, from southern Canada to Florida and Texas.
Host PlantsGaura species, Oenothera species
Flight PeriodMay to September
Flight Stylefluttering
Conservation Statusleast-concern
Lifecycle NotesLarvae feed on the flowers and developing seeds of Gaura and Oenothera species, then pupate in the soil over winter.
Identification TipsLook for the distinctive deep red forewings with white markings and the bright orange head/thorax, often found on or near its Gaura host plants.
Description
This small moth features deep reddish-maroon forewings mottled with irregular white streaks and spots, contrasting with a bright orange-yellow head and thorax.
