How to translate text using browser tools
1 May 2009 Vibrational Communication Between the Sexes in Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)
Erik J. Wenninger, David G. Hall, Richard W. Mankin
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

We examined the substrate-borne vibrational signals used in communication between the sexes in Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), a vector of huanglongbing (an economically devastating disease of citrus), in an anechoic chamber and an olfactometer. Males and females both primarily produced simple, low-amplitude vibrational signals at multiples of 170-250 Hz, ranging in duration from 140 to 700 ms. The vibrational frequencies of males and females were negatively correlated with mass, but the correlation was statistically significant only for males. Females replied to male calls within an interval of 0.3-1.2 s. Such signals are within the ranges of signals observed for other psyllids. Female-female interactions were occasionally observed. Intervals between male calls were not significantly different whether or not females replied. In an olfactometer, calling rate did not differ between virgin males exposed to odors from virgin females on citrus versus those exposed only to clean air. However, the latent period for initialization of calling was significantly shorter for males exposed to clean air, suggesting that in the absence of olfactory cues psyllids might be more inclined to use acoustic signals to communicate with conspecifics. Moreover, calling rate and latency to initialization of calling were positively and negatively correlated, respectively, with male age, suggesting that males are more likely to call the longer they remain unmated.

Erik J. Wenninger, David G. Hall, and Richard W. Mankin "Vibrational Communication Between the Sexes in Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae)," Annals of the Entomological Society of America 102(3), 547-555, (1 May 2009). https://doi.org/10.1603/008.102.0327
Received: 14 May 2008; Accepted: 1 November 2008; Published: 1 May 2009
JOURNAL ARTICLE
9 PAGES

This article is only available to subscribers.
It is not available for individual sale.
+ SAVE TO MY LIBRARY

KEYWORDS
acoustic communication
Asian citrus psyllid
citrus greening disease
Huanglongbing
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top