Habituation to intraspecific mating inhibition signals in the tea leafhopper, Empoasca onukii

Abstract

Pest control mediated by substrate-borne vibrational signals has been successfully used to control the grapevine leafhopper. Maintaining the signal intensity above the effective threshold and avoiding habituation to the stimulus are crucial for this control strategy to be effective. The tea leafhopper, Empoasca onukii, is a major pest of tea plants that relies on substrate-borne vibrational signals for mating communication. Male rivals can emit specific competitive signals (MDSs) to inhibit the calling activity of a courting male.