The importance of vibrational communication in the reproductive behavior of grassland spittle bugs (Homoptera: Cercopidae)

Abstract

Communication by means of substrate-borne vibrations is a fundamental aspect of the reproductive behavior of most homopterans. This phenomenon has not yet been studied in the family Cercopidae. The role of vibrational communication in the reproductive behavior of Zulia carbonaría (Lallemand) and Aeneolamia varia (F.) was determined. Calls were registered directly from the substrate (stems and leaves of the plant) by means of a phonographic cartridge connected to a computer with specialized software for sound analysis. Trials were performed with males and females. together with observations during the recordings, to determine the relationship between calls and associated behavior. The two sexes produced calls, but it was the male that initiated the search for the female. lt was found that this form of communication was fundamental for mating and reproductive success in this family. To call the female, males produced a characteristic song; Z. carbonaría had a frequency of 317.38 ± 23.25 Hz and duration of 9.5 ± 0.59 sec., statistically different from A. varia which presented a frequency of 425.16 ± 37.27 Hz and duration 3.43 ± 0.08 sec. Upon detecting the male caller, the female answered, establishing a "dialogue" with the male which oriented him to find her in order to initiate mating. Other different patterns not directly related to mating were found. This is new basic information on the family Cercopidae and especially for grassland spittlebugs, the most important pest of neotropical forages. Considering the differences found in the calls of the two species, communication patterns could be used as a taxonomic tool, as has been used in other families.