Importance of color stimuli in host-finding by Dalbulus leafhoppers
1990
Todd, J.L. | Harris, M.O. | Nault, L.R.
The importance of color stimuli in host-finding by Dalbulus maidis (DeLong & Wolcott), D. gelbus DeLong, and D. quinquenotatus DeLong & Nault (Homoptera: Cicadellidae) was determined by comparing pre- and post-contact responses of leafhoppers to maize seedlings (Zea mays L.) with those to vertical models varying in hue or value (total amount of reflected light). For each species, more contacts were made with maize by jumping/flying than by walking, and both sexes remained on maize for similar times after contact. When presented simultaneously with seven models (vertical wooden rods) painted in different colors, each species made more contacts with yellow. Yellow also received more contacts when it was present in a group of four colors. There were no differences in contacts made with the yellow model by jumping/flying or by walking for D. maidis and D. gelbus, but D. quinquenotatus made more contacts by jumping/flying than by walking. If yellow was not present in the group, the color reflecting maximally between 500-580 nm received more contacts compared to the other three colors. Responses to a series of neutrals indicated contacts were elicited primarily because of hue, and not changes in value. Yellow also elicited tenure as long or significantly longer than other colors after contact with a model. For each species, there were no differences in tenure between males and females on models. The importance of color stimuli in host-finding by Dalbulus leafhoppers is suggested to be influenced by differences in flight behavior and habitat stability of field hosts.
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