Schinia albafascia Smith

Pogue, Michael G. & Harp, Charles E., 2004, A review of the Schinia tertia (Grote) species complex (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae), Zootaxa 473, pp. 1-32 : 11-15

Schinia albafascia Smith , revised status

( Figs. 7–9 , 21 , 27–28 , 36 , 39, 47 )

Schinia albafascia Smith 1883:231 .— Smith 1893:279.— Dyar 1903:188.— Holland 1903:228.— Barnes and McDunnough 1917:39.— McDunnough 1938:105.— Franclemont and Todd 1983:159.— Poole 1989:892.— Poole and Gentili 1996:771.— Hardwick 1996:176.

Diagnosis. Schinia albafascia shares the large quadrate discal spot in the hindwing with S. brunnea Barnes and McDunnough , but the discal spot can be contiguous with the wide marginal band in brunnea , whereas the discal spot is never contiguous with the narrow marginal band in albafascia . The second sternite in albafascia has a well­developed hair pencil and associated scent pocket that extend closer to the distal margin of sternite 4 ( Fig. 21 ); in brunnea the scent pocket is slightly smaller and the hair pencil is less dense ( Fig. 24 ). The valve is slightly longer in brunnea (mean length 2.55 mm + 0.063) than in albafascia (mean length 2.41 mm + 0.129) and also narrower (length 8.65 + 1.29 X width (n=6)) than in albafascia (length 7.78 + 0.99 X width (n=9). The V­shaped saccus is slightly narrower in albafascia than in brunnea . The width of the female papillae anales is narrower and the apex is slightly more pointed in albafascia ( Fig. 39 ) than in brunnea ( Fig. 44 ).

Description. Abdomen ( Fig. 21 ): Second sternite with well­developed hair pencil and scent pocket. Male genitalia ( Figs. 27–28 ): Uncus moderately long, length 0.85–0.90 mm (mean = 0.87 + 0.043; n=9); valve moderately long, length 2.20–2.55 mm (mean = 2.47 + 0.137; n=9), length 7.78 + 0.99 X width (n=9); saccus narrowly V­shaped; vesica with 3 coils. Female genitalia ( Figs. 36, 39 ): Papillae anales broadly triangulate, apex pointed; eighth segment with coarse scobinations; seventh segment with slender, moderately long setae in several rows along distal margin, concentrated dorsally on segment, extending to or just before distal margin of eighth segment.

Type material. Holotype male, in USNM. Type locality: Utah [no specific locality]. Type examined.

Larval food plant. Ericameria nauseosa (Pallas ex Pursh) Nesom & Baird (Asteraceae) .

Biology. Schinia albafascia utilizes Rabbit brush, Ericameria nauseosa (Asteraceae) , as its larval food plant. Of the 22 varieties of Rabbit brush currently recognized, albafascia uses at least three. Ericameria nauseosa (Pallas ex Pursh) Nesom & Baird ssp. nauseosa Nesom & Baird var. speciosa (Nutt.) Nesom & Baird and var. hololeuca (A. Gray) Nesom & Baird supports the lighter phenotype in desert scrub habitats from the western part of its range. The variety glabrata (A. Gray) Nesom & Baird supports the darker phenotype from the Colorado foothills into New Mexico and Arizona.

Adults of albafascia are most active on Rabbit brush towards dusk, where they rest on top of flower heads that are approaching full bloom. They are very wary, and readily fly off when approached.

Throughout most of its range, albafascia flies sympatrically with S. unimacula Smith , and a week or two earlier than S. walsinghami (Hy. Edwards) , which also uses Rabbit brush as a larval host.

Flight period. Late summer and early fall, with records from mid­July to early October, most specimens collected during August and September. Schinia albafascia peaks in early September versus late August for S. tertia ( Fig. 45 ).

Distribution ( Fig. 47 ). From southwestern Montana and Idaho, west to Oregon, south to central and southern California, east to Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado.

Material examined. ARIZONA: No specific locality (1ɗ, 4Ψ), Barnes Collection. APACHE CO., White Mtns., nr. McNarry PO, 15–30 Sep. 1925 (1Ψ), O.C. Poling. COCHISE CO., Huachuca Mtns., 0.5 mi W Hwy. 92, Lot 4, Ash Canyon Road, 5100 ft., Sep. 1980 (2ɗ), 27 Sep. 1989 (2ɗ), N. McFarland ( CEH), 22 Aug. 1989, 21 Sep. 1989, N. McFarland (UAT); Paradise, (2ɗ), male genitalia slide USNM 46825, Barnes Coll., 1925 (1Ψ), O. Duffner, Sep. (4ɗ), 8–15 Sep. (1ɗ), Barnes Coll.; Portal, 2–3 Aug. 1999, C. W. Bordelon (TLS). COCONINO CO., Cameron, nr. Little Colorado River, 4280 ft., 7 Sep. 1995, J.K. Adams (JKA); Colorado River, Grand Canyon National Park, mi 8.0 L, old high water, 30 Aug. 2002 (1Ψ), R.J. Delph ( NAU). MARICOPA CO., Tempe, 15 Aug. 1959, F.G. Werner & W.L. Nutting (UAT), 11 Sep. 1992, E.V. Walter & M. Martinez (UAT); Phoenix, (1Ψ), 2 Sep. 1905 (1Ψ) ( CNC), 13 Sep. 1904 (1Ψ), 24–30 Sep. (1Ψ). MOHAVE CO., [No specific locality], 16–23 Sep. (1Ψ), Barnes Collection; Kingman, 1– 8 Oct. (1ɗ, 1Ψ); Lake Havasu City, 2255 College Ave., 21 Oct. 1992, R. Gillmore (JFS). PIMA CO., Organ Pipe National Monument, Quitobaquito Mgmt. Area, 23 Sep. 1984, Bailowitz (UAT); Tucson, 30 Oct. 1977, F.G. Werner (UAT); Baboquivari Mtns. ( LACM). PINAL CO., Pinal Mtns. ( LACM). SANTA CRUZ CO., Madera Canyon ( LACM); Harshaw Wash, S of Patagonia, 4600 ft., 17 Sep. 1992 (2ɗ), D. F. & V. Hardwick ( CNC). CALIFORNIA: KERN CO., 38 mi E Baker, 10 Sep. 1934 (1Ψ), R.R. McElvare; Walker Pass ( AMNH); Mt. Pinos, McGill Campground, 7310 ft., 10 Aug. 1996, T. E. Dimock (TED). LOS ANGELES CO., Mint Canyon, 17 Oct. 1941 (1ɗ); summit of Mint Canyon, 6 Oct. 1950 (1Ψ); Palm Village, 6 Oct. 1946 (1m 1Ψ). MONO CO., 1 mi N Lee Vining, on shore of Mono Lake, 4 Sep. 1978, R. Holland ( AMNH). RIVERSIDE CO., Palm Springs ( AMNH); Rancho La Sierra ( AMNH); Aguanga, R.H. Leuschner (RHL). SAN BERNAR­ DINO CO., Ivanpah Mts., 5 Sep. 1934 (6ɗ, 1Ψ), male genitalia slide USNM 46814, 10 Sep. 1934 (1ɗ, 3Ψ), 15 Sep. 1934 (1ɗ), R.R. McElvare; eastern Mohave Desert, Ivanpah, 3700 ft., Oct. 1990, D.F. Hardwick ( CNC); Ivanpah, June 1991 (1ɗ, 2Ψ) ( CNC); Ivanpah, New York Mountains, 3700 ft., 14 Sep. 1990 (3ɗ), D. & V. Hardwick ( CNC); Loma Linda, 16–23 Sep. (2ɗ), male genitalia slide USNM 47133, Barnes Coll.; New York Mountains, 4400 ft., 24 Sep. 1990 (1ɗ, 1Ψ), D. & V. Hardwick ( CNC); Wheaton Springs, Mescal Range, 5 Sep. 1953 (1ɗ, 1Ψ). SAN DIEGO CO., Warner’s, Sep. 1919 (4ɗ, 4Ψ), G. H. Field; Julian ( AMNH). TULARE CO. Kennedy Meadows ( LACM). VENTURA CO., Apache Canyon, 5 Sep. 1997, T.E. Dimock (TED); Cuyama Valley, Apache Canyon 0.8 mi E of Hwy. 33, 3500 ft., 26 Sep. 1997, T.E. Dimock (TED). COLORADO: No specific locality (7ɗ, 8Ψ). ADAMS CO., Bennett, Hwy. 36, nr. Post Office, 5547 ft., 31 Aug. 2001 (1Ψ), C. Harp ( CEH). ALAMOSA CO., Brandt Ranch, 2285 ɗ, 15 Aug. 1992, J.H. Brandt & R. Peigler ( DMNS). ARAPAHOE CO., S of Manilla, gas station, Hwy. I­70 at Manilla Rd., 5486 ft., 23 Aug. 1999 (1ɗ), C. Harp ( CEH). BOULDER CO., Lyons, 16 Aug. 1973, Knowlton & Hanson ( USU). DENVER CO., Denver (7ɗ, 5Ψ), male genitalia slide USNM 46816, female genitalia slide USNM 46819. FREMONT CO., 4.6 mi SE Salida on W side of US 50, 7100 ft., 22 Aug. 1997 (2Ψ), D.J. Wright (DJW). GARFIELD CO., Glenwood Springs, 24–30 July (1ɗ), 1– 7 Aug. (1Ψ), 16–23 Aug. (1ɗ, 2Ψ), 8–15 Aug. (3ɗ), 20 Aug. 1895, Sep. 1895 (2Ψ), W. Barnes. JEFFERSON CO., Littleton, S. Wadsworth, s of C­470, Lockheed Martin Park, 5523 ft., 31 Aug. 2001 (1ɗ), 3 Sep. 2001 (2Ψ), 4 Sep. 2001 (1ɗ), 6 Sep. 2002 (3ɗ, 4Ψ), 8 Sep. 2002 (3ɗ, 9Ψ), C. Harp ( CEH); Lakewood, 20 Aug. 1995, R. Peigler ( DMNS). LA PLATA CO., Durango (1Ψ). LARIMER CO., Fort Collins (1Ψ), female genitalia slide USNM 46818; Fort Collins, 5100 Greenview Ct., 11 Aug. 1989, P.A. Opler ( DMNS); east side of Hwy. #287, T10N R70W sec. 21, 5980 ft., 23 Aug. 1997, 26 Aug. 1998, C. Ferris (UWL). LINCOLN CO., Limon, gas station, S of I­70 @ exit 359, 5356 ft., 19 Aug. 1998 (1Ψ), 27 Aug. 1999 (1Ψ), C. Harp ( CEH). MESA CO., Colorado National Monument, headquarters nr. West Entrance, 30 Sep. 1996 (2Ψ), P. Opler & E. Buckner ( CEH); Colorado National Monument, East Entrance, 4890 ft., 9 Aug. 1996 (1Ψ), Rodgers family ( CEH). MOFFAT CO., Dinosaur National Monument, 2 Aug. 1992, H. Delafield Jr. ( CSU). MONTEZUMA CO., 20 km W of Cortez, 3 Sep. 1989, R. Peigler & M. Weissman ( AMNH), ( DMNS), ( MSU), ( UCM). MORGAN CO., 12 mi SSW of Ft. Morgan, 16 Aug. 1990, M.D. Browers et al. ( UCM). OTERO CO., Rocky Ford, 24 Aug. 1993, R. Peigler & M.J. Weissman ( CSU). PUEBLO CO., 5 mi N Pueblo, 5100 ft., 22 Aug. 1975 (2ɗ), Lafontaine & Bowen (EHM), ( CNC). WELD CO., 3 mi N of Windsor, 23 Aug. 1997, Pineda ( CSU). IDAHO: BUTTE CO., Craters of the Moon National Monument, 25 July 1965, D.S. Horning ( UIM). GOODING CO., Wendell, 3500 ft., 29 July 1965, R.E. Miller ( UIM). ONEIDA CO., Curlew NG, 5 mi SSE Holbrook, 4800 ft., 18 July 2001 (1Ψ), 1 Aug. 2001 (2ɗ), D. J. Wright (DJW). PAYETTE CO., Parma, 2231 ft., 1 Sep. 1951, A.J. Walz ( UIM). MONTANA: BROADWATER CO., Twp. 2N, Range 1E, 9 Aug. 1927 (1ɗ) ( CNC). JEFFERSON CO. T2N R1W, 17–22 Aug. 1927 ( MSUB), 8 Aug. 1927 (RH). NEVADA: CLARK CO., Searchlight, downtown school, along Hwy. # 95, 3490 ft., 19 Sep. 2000 (1Ψ), C. Harp ( CEH); Searchlight, N end of town off Hwy #95 at church, 19 Sep. 2000 (7Ψ), C. Harp ( CEH); Searchlight, S end of town, along Hwy #95 at gas station, 19 Sep. 2000 (1Ψ), C. Harp ( CEH); Newberry Mtns., Christmas Tree Pass Rd., 5.5 mi E of Hwy. #95, (1ɗ), 25 Sep. 1984, G.T. Austin ( NSM); Hwy. # 93, 6 mi N of I­15, 21 Sep. 1983, 21 Sep. 1984 (1Ψ), G.T. Austin ( NSM); Hwy. # 161, 2 mi W of Hwy. #159, 8 Oct. 1983, G.T. Austin ( NSM). DOUGLAS CO., Topaz Lake, 25 Aug. 1983, G.T. Austin ( NSM). ELKO CO., Angel Lake road, above Wells, 7000 ft., 20 July 1971 (1Ψ), D.C. Ferguson; N end of Teano Range, Hwy. #244, 27 Aug. 1984, G.T. Austin ( NSM). ESMER­ ALDA CO., No specific locality (3ɗ, 3Ψ). HUMBOLDT CO., 6 mi N Winnemucca, 4400 ft., 20 Sep. 2001 (2ɗ), Crabo & Troubridge (LGC). LINCOLN CO., 4.9 mi S of Elgin, Meadow Valley Wash, 22 Sep. 1984, G.T. Austin ( NSM); 4 mi SSE Alamo, 3600 ft., 27 Sep. 1969 (1Ψ), D. F. Hardwick ( CNC); 8 mi S Pioche, 4900 ft., 3 Sep. 1965 (5ɗ), D. F. Hardwick ( CNC); 10 mi E Panaca, 6500 ft., 1 Sep. 1965 (2ɗ), D. F. Hardwick ( CNC). LYON CO., Hwy. #50A, 1.8 mi S of Hwy. #95 at Fernley, 7 Sep. 1984, G.T. Austin ( NSM). NYE CO., Mercury, 26 Aug. 1959 (4ɗ, 1Ψ). STOREY CO., Six Mile Creek, 5600 ft., 29 Aug. 2000 (1Ψ), J. Troubridge ( CNC). WASHOE CO., Reno, 16–23 Aug. (1Ψ); Toiyabe Mtns., Peavine Creek Cmgd., 29 Aug. 1984, G.T. Austin ( NSM); Toiyabe Mtns., Jett Canyon, 24 Aug. 1984, G.T. Austin ( NSM). NEW MEXICO: BERNALILLO CO., Albuquerque, Tijeras Canyon @ Four Hills, 5900 ft., 13 Sep. 1968, R. Holland (RHA). COLFAX CO., Cimarron, Hwy. #58 @ Hwy. # 64, 6422 ft., 12 Aug. 2002 (1Ψ), C. Harp ( CEH). GRANT CO., Gila R. W­L Area, 4400 ft., 24 Sep. 2003 (1ɗ, 1Ψ) MCKINLEY CO., Ft. Wingate, 1–15 Sep. (1ɗ). SANDOVAL CO., Jemez Springs, 8–15 Aug. (6ɗ, 1Ψ), male genitalia slides USNM 46829­ 30, 16–23 Aug. (14ɗ, 3Ψ), 28 Aug. 1916 (1Ψ); near Jemez Springs (1ɗ, 1Ψ), J. Woodgate; Albuquerque, Juan Tabo Picnic area, west slope of Sandia Mtns., 7300 ft., 12 Sep. 1968, R. Holland (RHA). TAOS CO., Valdez, 10 Sep. 1964, B. Cambell ( USU). OREGON: BAKER CO., Bridgeport, 3530 ft., 22 Aug. 2001 (5ɗ, 1Ψ), L.G. Crabo (LGC). HARNEY CO., dunes, 1 mi N of Denio, Nevada, 20 July 2001 (1Ψ), Lafontaine & Troubridge ( CNC). JOSEPHINE CO., 8 Dollar Mtn. Rd., 1125 ft., 29 Aug. 2002 (1ɗ), J. Troubridge ( CNC). KLAMATH CO., 12 mi E Klamath Falls, 6 Aug. 1966 (1ɗ, 1Ψ), K.J. Gaeden (ODA). LAKE CO., Alkali Lake, 4390 ft., 19 July 2001 (1ɗ), Troubridge, Crabo, & Lafontaine; 20 mi N Lakeview, 4 Aug. 1966 (1ɗ), K.J. Gaeden (ODA); S end of Summer Lake, 24 Aug. 1965 (1Ψ), K.J. Gaeden (ODA). MAL­ HEUR CO., Namorf, 21 Aug. 2001 (8ɗ, 2Ψ), L.G. Crabo (LGC); Namorf, 2700 ft., 31 Aug. 2002 (3ɗ), J. Troubridge ( CNC); Ontario, 10 Aug. 1963 (1Ψ), K.J. Gaeden (ODA). UTAH: southern (1ɗ), O.C. Poling. BEAVER CO., Milford, Aug. (1Ψ). BOX ELDER CO., Snowville, 14 Aug. 1971, G.F. Knowlton ( USU). CACHE CO., Logan, 9 Aug. 1939, G.F. Knowlton ( USU). DAGGETT CO., Brown’s Park, 23 Aug. 1987, R.C. Mower ( AMNH). EMERY CO., 2 air mi W of Little Gilson Butte, San Rafael Desert area, 15–17 Sep. 1980, D. Viers ( USU). GARFIELD CO., 2 mi NW Hot Spring, 29 Aug. 1986 (3ɗ), male genitalia slide USNM 46815, A.S. Menke; Starr Springs, 36 mi S Hanksville, 6300 ft., 27 Aug. 1971 (1Ψ), D. F. Hardwick ( CNC). JUAB CO., Eureka, 1 Aug. (4ɗ, 1Ψ), 2 Aug. (2ɗ, 3Ψ), 4 Aug. (1ɗ), 9 Aug. (1ɗ), 19 Aug. (1ɗ), T. Spaulding; Trout Creek, 20 July 1922, T. Spaulding ( BYU). SANPETE CO., Ephraim Canyon, 6000 ft., 23 July 1981 (1ɗ), D.C. Ferguson; 2.5 mi N of Fairview, 17 Aug. 1990, R.C. Mower ( BYU). SEVEIR CO., Richfield, 15 Aug. 1930 (2ɗ), 26 Aug. 1929 (1Ψ), D. E. Fox ( CNC). UINTAH CO., vic. of Bonanza, 21 Aug. 1987, R.C. Mower ( AMNH); Dinosaur National Monument, 17 Aug. 1958, M. May ( AMNH). UTAH CO., Dividend, July (1Ψ), 14 July (1Ψ), 21 July (1Ψ), 22 July (1ɗ), 24 July (1ɗ), 11 Aug. (1ɗ), 24 Aug. 1921 ( BYU), T. Spaulding; Orem, 12 July (1ɗ), 16 July (1Ψ), female genitalia slide USNM 46820, T. Spaulding, 9 Aug. 1936 (2Ψ), G.F. Knowlton. WASATCH CO., 5 mi S Midway, 29 July 1971 (1ɗ), male genitalia slide USNM 46827, D.C. Ferguson. WASHINGTON CO., Leeds Canyon, 6 June 1964, W.I. Ranson ( USU); Zion National Park, Oak Creek, 3 Sep. 1981, C.R. Nelson ( USU). WAYNE CO., Capitol Reef, 15 Sep. 1979, C. Hatley & G. Briggs ( USU). WYOMING: FREMONT CO. [no specific locality], C.D. Ferris (CDF); 10 mi SE Lander, 5600 ft., 31 Aug. 1964 (1Ψ), D. F. Hardwick ( CNC). JOHNSON CO. 32 mi E of Buffalo, roadside near Hwy. I­90, mkr. #89, at gas station lights, 3943 ft., 22 July 2003 (1Ψ), C. Harp ( CEH). PLATTE CO. Glendo State Park, 15 July 1995, P.A. Opler ( CSU). UINTA CO. Evanston, 25 July 1994, R.L. Langston (RLL). WASHAKIE CO. [no specific locality], C.D. Ferris (CDF).

Discussion. Hardwick (1996) treated S. albafascia as a synonym of S. tertia . As discussed above, there are many differences that separate these two species. Smith (1883) pointed out the broader pale area of the forewing, which gives S. albafascia its whiter appearance, and the more distinct discal spot and outer margin of the hindwing.

Figures

FIGURE 45. Flight periods of Schinia species.

FIGURE 47. Collecting localities for Schinia albafascia, (closed circles) shaded area is distribution of host plant Ericameria nauseosa (Asteraceae); S. ferrisi (open circles).

FIGURES 7 – 11. Adults. 7, S. albafascia, female, Colorado, Adams Co., Bennett, Hwy. # 36 near post office, USNM ENT 00157059; 8, S. albafascia, female, Nevada, Clark Co., off Hwy. # 95 at church, USNM ENT 00157279; 9, S. albafascia, female, Nevada, Clark Co., off Hwy. # 95 at church, USNM ENT 00157280; 10, S. ferrisi, holotype, male, Arizona, Pima Co., Redington, USNM ENT 00142672; 11, S. ferrisi, female, New Mexico, Grant Co., USNM ENT 0 0 219911.

FIGURES 19 – 24. Second sternite of male abdomen. 19, Schinia tertia, Texas, Brazos Co., College Station, USNM ENT 0 0 142720, genitalia slide USNM 46835; 20, S. tertia, Utah, Utah Co., Vineyard, USNM ENT 0 0 143238, genitalia slide USNM 46817; 21, S. albafascia, California, San Bernardino Co., Ivanpah Mts., USNM ENT 0 0 142700, genitalia slide USNM 46814; 22, S. ferrisi, Arizona, Pima Co., Redington, USNM ENT 0 0 142671, genitalia slide USNM 47328; 23, S. erosa, California, Riverside Co., Indio, USNM ENT 0 0 143200, genitalia slide USNM 46842; 24, S. brunnea, California, San Bernardino Co., San Bernardino, USNM ENT 0 0 143179, genitalia slide USNM 47156.

FIGURES 25 – 34. Male genitalia. 25, Schinia tertia, Texas, Brewster Co., Alpine, USNM ENT 0 0 142723, genitalia slide USNM 46833; 26, S. tertia, aedoeagus, Texas, Carson Co., White Deer, USNM ENT 0 0 142739, genitalia slide USNM 46836; 27, S. albafascia, Utah, Wasatch Co., Midway, USNM ENT 0 0 142986, genitalia slide USNM 46827; 28, S. albafascia, aedoeagus, same data; 29, S. ferrisi, Arizona, Pima Co., Redington, USNM ENT 0 0 142671, genitalia slide USNM 47328; 30, S. ferrisi, aedoeagus, same data.

FIGURES 35 – 40. Female genitalia. 35, Schinia tertia, Kansas, Labette Co., Oswego, USNM ENT 00142861, genitalia slide USNM 46832; 36, S. albafascia, Utah, Utah Co., Orem, USNM ENT 00143001, genitalia slide USNM 46820; 37, S. ferrisi, Arizona, Pima Co., Redington, USNM ENT 0 0 142675, genitalia slide USNM 47329; 38, S. tertia, papillae anales, same data as Fig. 35; 39, S. albafascia, papillae anales, same data as Fig. 36; 40, S. ferrisi, same data as Fig. 37.

FIGURES 41 – 44. Female genitalia. 41, S. erosa, California, San Diego Co., Sentenac Canyon, USNM ENT 0 0 143186, genitalia slide USNM 47162; 42, S. brunnea, California, San Bernardino Co., Loma Linda, USNM ENT 0 0 143167, genitalia slide USNM 46839; 43, S. erosa, papillae anales, same data as Fig. 41; 44, S. brunnea, papillae anales, same data as Fig. 42.