Bulletin of Entomological Research (2009) 99, 401-413

Valerio Mazzoni, Janez Presern, Andrea Lucchi and Meta Virant-Doberlet (2009)
Reproductive strategy of the Nearctic leafhopper Scaphoideus titanus Ball (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae)
Bulletin of Entomological Research 99 (4), 401-413
Abstract: Mating behaviour of Scaphoideus titanus Ball, the vector of the grapevine disease Flavescence dorée, was investigated in order to determine the role of substrate-borne vibrational signals in intra-specific communication and pair formation. Vibrational signals were recorded from grapevine leaves with a laser vibrometer. Signalling activity of single males changed throughout the day and the peak in activity was associated with twilight and early night when 'call and fly' behaviour was observed. Pair formation began with the spontaneous emission of male signals. The male calling signal consisted of a single series of pulses, partially accompanied with a 'rumble'. The male courtship phrase consisted of four consecutive sections characterized by two sound elements, pulse and 'buzz'. Female vibrational signals were emitted only in response to male signals. The female response was a single pulse that closely resembled male pulses and was inserted between pulses within the male signals. All recorded vibrational signals of S. titanus have a dominant frequency below 900 Hz. A unique feature of vibrational communication in S. titanus is well-developed intrasexual competition; males may use alternative tactics, in the form of disturbance signals, or silently approach duetting females (satellite behaviour). While the male-female duet appears to be essential for successful localization of females and copulation, it is also vulnerable to, and easily disrupted by, alternative tactics like masking.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Valerio Mazzoni, Andrea Lucchi

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
general biology - morphology - evolution

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Scaphoideus titanus