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Title: SYSTEMATICS OF SCHINIA CHRYSELLUS (GROTE) COMPLEX: REVISED STATUS OF SCHINIA ALENCIS (HARVEY) WITH A DESCRIPTION OF TWO NEW SPECIES (LEPIDOPTERA: NOCTUIDAE: HELIOTHINAE)

Author
item Pogue, Michael
item HARP, CHARLES - FORT COLLINS, CO

Submitted to: Zootaxa
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/11/2004
Publication Date: 12/10/2004
Citation: Pogue, M.G., Harp, C.E. 2004. Systematics of Schinia chrysellus (Grote) complex: revised status of Schinia alencis (Harvey) with a description of two new species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Heliothinae). Zootaxa. 898:1-35

Interpretive Summary: Cutworm moths are major agricultural pests, with species such as the corn earworm and tobacco budworm destroying billions of dollars of corn, cotton, and tobacco and other crops on an annual basis worldwide. Many species of these and related groups of moths are difficult to distinguish, and studies of life histories and food plants can help in separating closely related species. This research diagnoses several species that were once difficult to distinguish, based on morphology, habitat, hosts and seasonal occurrence, and describes two new species. 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 in Quentine.

Technical Abstract: Based on morphological characters and host plant use species related to Schinia chrysellus (Grote) are revised. Schinia alencis (Harvey) is considered a valid speces, revised status. Schnia chryselloides, new species is closely allied with S. chrysellus , and Schinia rufocostulata, new species is related to S. ciliata Smith. Adult moths and their host plant distributions are compared. Male and female genitalia are illustrated for each species.