Schinia ligeae

Introduction:

Schinia ligeae is a noctuid moth tailored to the arid ecosystems of the American Southwest. Belonging to the flower moth subfamily Heliothinae, this species maintains an intimate relationship with desert Asteraceae blooms, utilizing camouflage and timing to thrive in harsh environments.
Life Cycle: Eggs are laid on host plant flower buds or leaves. Emerging caterpillars feed primarily on the reproductive structures and flowers, later burrowing into the soil to pupate and overwinter before adults emerge in late summer and autumn.

Size 0.8 in to 1.1 in (2.0 cm to 2.8 cm)
Sexual Dimorphism: Females generally exhibit slightly larger body size and heavier abdomens than males, though wing patterns remain similar between sexes.
Metamorphosis: complete (egg, larva, pupa, adult)