Intrasexual Vibrational Behavior of Philaenus spumarius in Semi-Field Conditions

Abstract

Insects that communicate by vibrational signals live in a complex interactive network of communication. Most studies on insect intrasexual behavior, based on plant-borne vibrational signals, have targeted few individuals. Despite their importance, behaviors that occur within groups were often overlooked. The study of multiple individuals, when insects occur in high density could simulate the environment in which they live and provide more reliable information on their behavior. In semi-field conditions, we investigated the intrasexual behavior of the meadow spittlebug, Philaenus spumarius. Vibrational signals exchanged among individuals of the same sex were recorded throughout their adult stage, from late spring to early autumn, and during the day, from the morning to the evening using a laser vibrometer. Males were less active than females throughout the season and their interactions were less frequent compared to females. Intrasexual interactions were characterized by signal overlapping in both unisex groups, in addition to signal alternating only in the case of males. In conclusion, the study of signaling behavior in intrasexual groups contributed to a better understanding of P. spumarius social behavior. We discuss the hypothesis of a possible competitive behavior between males and cooperative behavior between females.

Application of vibrational signals to study and manipulate an insect vector: the case of Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae)

“…It is possible that the MCS2 is used to establish some form of hierarchy in P. spumarius, given that in this and other species, males modify their signaling activity or the features of their signals as a form of competitive interaction. [32][33][34] A similar role was initially hypothesized for the MMS, 24 but our results suggest that it is seldom produced by males and likely represents a distress signal associated with the physical presence of another male, as confirmed by our test. The MMS was accordingly recorded only in trio and male-male groups, while neither the presence of the female nor the transmission of male signals triggered the emission of this signal.…”

“…In fact, the alternation of two sound elements involves coordination and, potentially, different production mechanisms. It is possible that the MCS2 is used to establish some form of hierarchy in P. spumarius , given that in this and other species, males modify their signaling activity or the features of their signals as a form of competitive interaction 32–34 …”

Sanguisorba minor Scop.: An Overview of Its Phytochemistry and Biological Effects

“…Humidity and temperature are particularly limited in the earlier nymphal stages. Adults generally live through one breeding season in the spring/summer, and then in late summer/autumn, the females oviposit and the eggs overwinter in vegetation until they hatch the following spring/summer [89].…”

“…Nevertheless, biological, ecological, and ethological information is lacking and dispersed since this species has never been seen as a serious danger to agriculture [89,90].…”

“…Philaenus spumarius is a polyphagous xylem-feeding insect, widespread in the Holarctic, whose nymphs produce a protective foam (spit masses) from their liquid excretion. The eggs usually hatch at the beginning of spring, and the five nymphal stages feed on plant shoots covered by a mucilaginous foam that serves as a barrier that allows the diffusion of O2 from the surrounding atmosphere [89][90][91]. Humidity and temperature are particularly limited in the earlier nymphal stages.…”