DOCSLIB.ORG

Insect Gears

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Insect Gears Popular Article Journal Home: www.bioticainternational.com Article: RT0121 How to cite this article? Biotica Karthik and Kukanur, 2020. Insect Gears. Research Research [Today 2(5) Spl.: 316-317. [ Today 316 Abstract Vol 2:5 nsects have developed many structural modifications to ensure 317 their survival during the course of evolution. A recently discovered 2020 Spl. Iadaptation was the presence of gears in insect legs of Issus coleoptratus which they use for jumping and faster movements. In this paper, we have briefly described the modifications of hind legs Insect Gears in Issus and mechanism behind the working of insect gears. G. Sai Karthik1* and Vinod S. Kukanur2 Introduction 1*Dept of Entomology, Prof. Jayashankar Telangana State nsects are the most diversified organisms on the earth due to their capacity of flight and presence of three pairs of Agricultural University, Hyderabad, Telangana (500 030), India legs that helps in their better locomotion. Insect legs have 2International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics, I several structural modifications like large femur, strong tibia, Hyderabad, Telangana (502 324), India heavy musculature etc. that enable their faster movements to serve their various purposes. Insects show a wide range of modifications in legs that suits their lifestyle. One of such modification which was recently discovered is briefed here. A gear or cogwheel is a rotating machine part having cut teeth, or cogs, which mesh with another toothed part to transmit torque, change the speed, creating a mechanical advantage. We humans think that we are pretty smart by inventing some dizzy array of machines and mechanisms that utilizes the so called ‘gears’ in their functioning, but Open Access evolution has once again outraged us, this time a million years ago. Recently, it has been reported that the gear Corresponding Author mechanism has been operating in insects since long time G. Sai Karthik (Lewis, 2013). Malcolm Burrows and Gregory Sutton of the e-mail: [email protected] University of Cambridge (2013) reported that the nymphs of Issus coleoptratus, a common species of plant hopper, have the first known case of an evolved working gear mechanism. Keywords Juveniles of the species have gears on trochanter portion of Legs, Gear, Issus, Trochanter their hind legs, locking them together. Insects’ hind legs can be arranged in two ways. The legs of grasshoppers and fleas move at the sides of their body, in separate planes whereas those of champion jumping insects and plant hoppers, move beneath their body along the same plane. Thus, plant hoppers’ legs need to be tightly coupled for their synchronization (Burrows, 2009). As the young bug Article History prepares to leap, it meshes the gear teeth of one leg with those Received in 10th May 2020 of the other. Each leg has a curved strip (400 micrometers Received in revised form 23rd May 2020 long) of 10 to 12 gear teeth that attach to the trochanter on Accepted in final form 24th May 2020 the insect’s legs. The dark coloration of the teeth, in contrast with the lighter color of the underlying cuticle, suggests that the teeth are heavily sclerotized (Burrows and Sutton, 2013). Each gear tooth has a rounded corner at the point it connects to the gear strip. If there were to be a slight timing difference E-mail: [email protected] between the legs, then the body would start to spin. The gears © 2020 316 Karthik and Kukanur, 2020 add an extra level of synchronization beyond that which can References be achieved by the nervous system. They synchronize the movement of the hind legs to within about 30 microseconds Burrows, M., 2009. Energy storage and synchronization of of each other much faster than the nervous system. In 30 hind leg movements during jumping in plant hopper microseconds, a neuron can barely begin to fire. insects (Hemiptera, Issidae), The Journal of Experimental The cogs are only found in immature plant hoppers, or Biology, 213, 469-478. nymphs, and are lost during the final moult. But, adults do Burrows, M., Sutton, G., 2013. Interacting gears better jump than youngsters. Adult plant hoppers use friction synchronize propulsive leg movements in a jumping between their legs to achieve the same effect as the gears. insect, Science 341, 1254–1256. Adults may ditch their gears partly because gear teeth can Lewis, T., 2013. Creature with Interlocking Gears on Legs break, questioning the insect’s survival. Younger ones undergo Discovered, livescience.com. 5-6 moults and hence any damage to the gears, by chance can be corrected by replacing with new ones. It was said that, “In Issus, the skeleton is used to solve a complex problem that the brain and nervous system cannot.” Conclusion ear mechanism existed in insects long before the invention of machines by humans. This paper will be Guseful in understanding the basic mechanism behind functioning of insect gears. © 2020 317.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Topic Paper Chilterns Beechwoods
    . O O o . 0 O . 0 . O Shoping growth in Docorum Appendices for Topic Paper for the Chilterns Beechwoods SAC A summary/overview of available evidence BOROUGH Dacorum Local Plan (2020-2038) Emerging Strategy for Growth COUNCIL November 2020 Appendices Natural England reports 5 Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation 6 Appendix 1: Citation for Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation (SAC) 7 Appendix 2: Chilterns Beechwoods SAC Features Matrix 9 Appendix 3: European Site Conservation Objectives for Chilterns Beechwoods Special Area of Conservation Site Code: UK0012724 11 Appendix 4: Site Improvement Plan for Chilterns Beechwoods SAC, 2015 13 Ashridge Commons and Woods SSSI 27 Appendix 5: Ashridge Commons and Woods SSSI citation 28 Appendix 6: Condition summary from Natural England’s website for Ashridge Commons and Woods SSSI 31 Appendix 7: Condition Assessment from Natural England’s website for Ashridge Commons and Woods SSSI 33 Appendix 8: Operations likely to damage the special interest features at Ashridge Commons and Woods, SSSI, Hertfordshire/Buckinghamshire 38 Appendix 9: Views About Management: A statement of English Nature’s views about the management of Ashridge Commons and Woods Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 2003 40 Tring Woodlands SSSI 44 Appendix 10: Tring Woodlands SSSI citation 45 Appendix 11: Condition summary from Natural England’s website for Tring Woodlands SSSI 48 Appendix 12: Condition Assessment from Natural England’s website for Tring Woodlands SSSI 51 Appendix 13: Operations likely to damage the special interest features at Tring Woodlands SSSI 53 Appendix 14: Views About Management: A statement of English Nature’s views about the management of Tring Woodlands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), 2003.
    [Show full text]
  • Jumping Mechanisms in Dictyopharid Planthoppers (Hemiptera
    © 2014. Published by The Company of Biologists Ltd | The Journal of Experimental Biology (2014) 217, 402-413 doi:10.1242/jeb.093476 RESEARCH ARTICLE Jumping mechanisms in dictyopharid planthoppers (Hemiptera, Dicytyopharidae) Malcolm Burrows* ABSTRACT legs in the same plane underneath the body. A catapult-like The jumping performance of four species of hemipterans belonging to mechanism is used in which the trochanteral depressor muscles the family Dictyopharidae, from Europe, South Africa and Australia, contract slowly, energy is stored and is then released suddenly were analysed from high-speed images. The body shape in all was (Burrows, 2006a; Burrows, 2007b; Burrows, 2009). Despite these characterised by an elongated and tapering head that gave a important common features, each group has particular streamlined appearance. The body size ranged from 6 to 9 mm in specialisations of its own that define its jumping abilities. These length and from 6 to 23 mg in mass. The hind legs were 80–90% of include differences in body shape, in the length of the hind legs body length and 30–50% longer than the front legs, except in one and in the anatomy of the coxae. species in which the front legs were particularly large so that all legs Most leafhoppers have hind legs that are two to three times longer were of similar length. Jumping was propelled by rapid and than the other legs and are 90% of the body length (Burrows, simultaneous depression of the trochantera of both hind legs, powered 2007b). By contrast, froghoppers and planthoppers have hind legs by large muscles in the thorax, and was accompanied by extension of that are only 40–50% longer than the other legs and approximately the tibiae.
    [Show full text]
  • Bericht Der Entomolo- Gischen Kartierung 2010)
    Entomologische Kartierung in der „Pfarrwiese“ und in einem Sandabbruch in Hofstätten Spinnen, Heuschrecken, Wanzen, Zikaden, Tagfalter & Widderchen, Käfer, Ameisen (Araneae, Saltatoria, Heteroptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Diurna & Zygaenidae, Coleoptera, Formicidae) Europaschutzgebiet: „Teile des Südoststeirischen Hügellandes inklusive Grabenlandbäche und Höll“ Im Auftrag von: Verein Lebende Erde im Vulkanland (L.E.i.V.), Bernard Wieser Bearbeitung: Thomas Frieß, Erwin Holzer, Anton Koschuh, Gernot Kunz, Alexander Platz, Herbert Wagner Graz, im Juni 2011 Entomologische Kartierung 2010 / Hofstätten L.E.i.V. Inhaltsverzeichnis 1 Einleitung und Fragestellungen ....................................................................................4 2 Untersuchte Standorte ...................................................................................................5 3 Ergebnisse und Diskussion .........................................................................................10 3.1 Spinnen (Araneae)................................................................................................10 3.1.1 Methodik .............................................................................................................10 3.1.2 Artenliste.............................................................................................................11 3.1.3 Kommentare zu ausgewählten Arten..................................................................13 3.1.4 Faunistische, zönotische und naturschutzfachliche Aspekte..............................14
    [Show full text]
  • Species List Millers Pond 2019
    Sheet1 Miller's Pond Local Nature Reserve: Bioblitz 6 to 7 September 2019. Checklist by P A Budd Taxon Species Grid Square Date Recorder Notes Acanthosoma haemorrhoidale Hawthorn Shieldbug SU451110 07/09/19 Summer Harrod Acer campestre Field Maple SU451109 07/09/19 Lindsay McCulloch Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore SU451110 07/09/19 Natalie Hands Acer pseudoplatanus Sycamore SU452110 07/09/19 Lindsay McCulloch Achillea millefolium Yarrow SU451110 07/09/19 Philip Budd Achillea millefolium Yarrow SU452110 07/09/19 Lindsay McCulloch Aelia acuminata Bishop's Mitre Shieldbug SU452109 07/09/19 Richard Dickson Sweeping Aeshna cyanea Southern Hawker SU450110 07/09/19 Terry Crow 3 seen Aeshna mixta Migrant Hawker SU450110 07/09/19 Terry Crow Agelastica alni Alder Leaf Beetle SU452109 07/09/19 Richard Dickson On nettle Anas platyrhynchos Mallard SU450110 07/09/19 Andy Bones Anas platyrhynchos Mallard SU450109 07/09/19 Dorman family 8 seen Anax imperator Emperor Dragonfly SU450109 07/09/19 Dorman family Anax imperator Emperor Dragonfly SU450110 07/09/19 Dorman family Anax imperator Emperor Dragonfly SU451110 07/09/19 Philip Budd 2 seen Andricus quercuscalcis Knopper Gall SU451110 07/09/19 Steve Groom Galls on oak Anyphaena accentuata a spider SU451110 07/09/19 Carly Harrod Araneus diadematus Garden Spider SU450109 07/09/19 Steve Groom Araneus diadematus Garden Spider SU450109 07/09/19 Terry Crow Araneus diadematus Garden Spider SU453110 07/09/19 Terry Crow Araneus diadematus Garden Spider SU450110 07/09/19 Daniel Bocock 2 seen Araneus diadematus Garden Spider SU450110 07/09/19 Dorman family 2 seen Araneus diadematus Garden Spider SU451110 06/09/19 Philip Budd Immature Araneus marmoreus var.
    [Show full text]
  • Homoptera: Fulgoroidea: Jubisentidae)
    Russian Entomol. J. 29(1): 6–11 © RUSSIAN ENTOMOLOGICAL JOURNAL, 2020 The earliest fully brachypterous auchenorrhynchan from Cretaceous Burmese amber (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea: Jubisentidae) Äðåâíåéøàÿ öèêàäêà ñ ñèëüíî óêîðî÷åííûìè êðûëüÿìè èç ìåëîâîãî áèðìàíñêîãî ÿíòàðÿ (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea: Jubisentidae) Dmitry E. Shcherbakov Ä.Å. Ùåðáàêîâ Borissiak Paleontological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia; [email protected]. Палеонтологический институт им. А.А. Борисяка РАН, Москва, Россия. KEY WORDS: planthoppers, Perforissidae, wing dimorphism, brachyptery, sensory pits, phylogeny, fossil, host plants, grasses, camouflage, mimicry. КЛЮЧЕВЫЕ СЛОВА: носатки, Perforissidae, крыловой диморфизм, короткокрылость, сенсорные ямки, филогения, ископаемые, кормовые растения, травы, маскировка, мимикрия. ABSTRACT. Psilargus anufrievi gen. et sp.n. (Psi- taceous Lagerstätten. Among many wonderful and un- larginae subfam.n.) from mid-Cretaceous Burmese expected insect taxa, three endemic planthopper fami- amber is assigned to the family Jubisentidae in basal lies have recently been discovered in Burmese amber — (pre-cixioid) Fulgoroidea. The two formerly known Dorytocidae, Yetkhatidae and Jubisentidae [Emeljan- genera of this family are placed in Jubisentinae stat.n. ov, Shcherbakov, 2018; Song et al., 2019; Zhang et al., The only known specimen of the new species is a minute 2019]. In the Burmese amber fauna these groups coexist female with extremely shortened wings. It is the earliest with widespread Cretaceous families, such as Perforis- recorded instance of extreme brachyptery in Auchenor- sidae [Shcherbakov, 2007a; Zhang et al., 2017] and rhyncha. All known Jubisentidae were flightless, cam- Mimarachnidae [Shcherbakov, 2007b, 2017; Luo et al., ouflaged, and likely associated with herbs in the Bur- 2020; etc.], and several extant families, such as Cixiidae mese Cretaceous tropics.
    [Show full text]
  • A Planthopper in Wyre Forest, Issus Coleoptratus
    Wyre Forest Study Group A Planthopper in Wyre Forest Issus coleoptratus (Schrank, 1781). (Hemiptera, Issidae) JOHN BINGHAM Issus coleoptratus adult John Bingham As a Study Group we are still recording the various Roger Key’s article for the full picture. In Wyre so far, the members of the Hemiptera in Wyre Forest and many nymphs have appeared in spring and been mature by are still to be found; but for a ‘prehistoric-look’ Issus October, but we have scant data. coleoptratus must rank as one of the most amazing. Issus has an association with ivy Hedera spp. that it uses It appears to be quite common over the forest but as yet as a shelter-plant, but also for breeding and this is based records are still sketchy and many gaps occur, so there on numerous repeated observations of early instars and is a challenge here for recorders. It’s a very distinctive adults on that plant (Whitehead and Key 2012). I have species that is fairly common in southern England, found Issus instars on a wooden fence under an ivy- especially in the southeast, but much rarer in Scotland covered oak tree in spring (20th April 2012, near Dowles and Wales. It is found on a range of woody plants, Brook). On 9th June 2012 I saw it under oak coppice including most common deciduous trees, and has an at Hitterhill with some ivy nearby, but not on the tree association with ivy. where it was found. But on 27th October 2012 several adults were found in a beech plantation at Earnwood, Identification is easy but confused by instar stages.
    [Show full text]
  • Sydney College of the Arts the University of Sydney
    Sydney College of the Arts The University of Sydney MASTER OF FINE ARTS 2017 RESEARCH PAPER IMPERFECT KNOWLEDGE – TERRA INCOGNITA! by Angela Porritt A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Fine Arts September 2017 i This page has been left blank intentionally ii Statement This volume is presented as a record of the work undertaken for the degree of Master of Fine Arts at Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney. iii This page has been left blank intentionally iv Table of Contents Statement ...................................................................................................................................... ii Table of Contents ........................................................................................................................... v List of Illustrations ........................................................................................................................ vii Abstract ......................................................................................................................................... xi Foreword ..................................................................................................................................... xiii Introduction .................................................................................................................................. 1 Chapter One .................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • 3 Zoologische Rätsel Zur Endemitenfauna Im Nationalpark Gesäuse
    3 E NDEMITEN -R Ä T S E L I M NP GE S Ä U S E 2014 3 Zoologische Rätsel zur Endemitenfauna im Nationalpark Gesäuse Tiergruppen: Weberknechte, Wanzen & Zikaden Inkl. Arbeitsnachweis: Landschneckenfauna des NPs Gesäuse Auftraggeber: Nationalpark Gesäuse GmbH Endbericht: Spinnentiere& Insekten Graz, im Dez. 2014 3 E NDEMITEN -R Ä T S E L I M NP GE S Ä U S E 2014 ÖKOTEAM – Institut für Tierökologie und Naturraumplanung OG Ingenieurbüro für Biologie A - 8010 Graz, Bergmanngasse 22 Tel.: 0316/35 16 50 Fax DW 4 e-mail: [email protected] 3 Zoologische Rätsel zur Endemitenfauna im Nationalpark Gesäuse Tiergruppen: Weberknechte, Wanzen & Zikaden Inklusive Arbeitsnachweis: Landschneckenfauna des Nationalparks Gesäuse Endbericht 2014 Version 02 Auftraggeber: Fachbearbeitungen: Nationalpark Gesäuse GmbH Mag. Dr. Thomas FRIEß Leitung Fachbereich Naturschutz/Naturraum PD Mag. Dr. Werner HOLZINGER Mag. MSc. Daniel Kreiner Mag. Dr. Christian KOMPOSCH 8913 Weng im Gesäuse 2 Mag. Lydia SCHLOSSER Technische AssistentInnen: Sandra AURENHAMMER MSc. Mag. Brigitte KOMPOSCH MSc. Mag. Julia SCHWAB Lektorat: Astrid LEITNER Auftragnehmer: Mag. Daniel KREINER MSc. ÖKOTEAM – Institut für Tierökologie und Naturraumplanung OG Projektleitung: Mag. Dr. Christian KOMPOSCH Zitiervorschlag: ÖKOTEAM – KOMPOSCH Ch., T. FRIEß, W. HOLZINGER & L. SCHLOSSER (2014): 3 Zoologische Rätsel zur Endemitenfauna im Nationalpark Gesäuse. Tiergruppen: Weberknechte, Wanzen & Zikaden. – Unveröffentlichter Projektbericht im Auftrag der Nationalpark Gesäuse GmbH, 86 Seiten. Graz, am 10. Dez.
    [Show full text]
  • FACULTY of SCIENCES INSTITUTE of BIOLOGY UNIVERSITY of NEUCHÂTEL PHD THESIS Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Managemen
    FACULTY OF SCIENCES INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGY UNIVERSITY OF NEUCHÂTEL PHD THESIS Biodiversity conservation and sustainable management in the vineyard agroecosystem: an integrated approach for different trophic levels Author: Thesis comittee: Valeria TRIVELLONE Prof. Edward A.D. MITCHELL (UNIVERSITY OF NEUCHÂTEL), thesis director Dr. Marco MORETTI (SWISS FEDERAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE WSL) Prof. Louis-Félix BERSIER (UNIVERSITY OF FRIBOURG, CH) Prof. Sergio RASMANN (UNIVERSITY OF NEUCHÂTEL) Prof. Raphaël ARLETTAZ (UNIVERSITY OF BERN, CH) April 26, 2016 Faculté des sciences Secrétariat-décanat de Faculté Rue Emile-Argand 11 2000 Neuchâtel - Suisse Tél: + 41 (0)32 718 2100 E-mail: [email protected] IMPRIMATUR POUR THESE DE DOCTORAT La Faculté des sciences de l'Université de Neuchâtel autorise l'impression de la présente thèse soutenue par Madame Valeria TRIVELLONE Titre: “Biodiversity conservation and sustainable management in the vineyard agroecosystem: an integrated approach for different trophic levels” sur le rapport des membres du jury composé comme suit: - Prof. Edward A.D. Mitchell, directeur de thèse, Université de Neuchâtel, Suisse - Prof. ass. Sergio Rasmann, Université de Neuchâtel, Suisse - Prof. Louis-Félix Bersier, Université de Fribourg, Suisse - Dr. Marco Moretti, WSL, Bellinzone, Suisse - Prof. Raphaël Arlettaz, Université de Berne, Suisse Neuchâtel, le 23 juin 2016 Le Doyen, Prof. B. Colbois Imprimatur pour thèse de doctorat www.unine.ch/sciences This work was funded by Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), Bern (contract no. 06.0127.PZ / L21 1-1 867) (BioDiVine project), the Swiss Federal Research Institute WSL, the Fondo Cotti, the Cantonal Department DECS in Tessin (Advanced Research grant), Agroscope, and the Natural History Museum in Lugano.
    [Show full text]
  • Insects-Chinery-81-91.Pdf
    MIRID BUGS .& Orthocephalus saltator. Rather hairy. Head not noticeably wider than front of pronotum. Antennae black. Tibiae red or brick~coloured (black in O. coriaceus ). Hind / femora enlarged for jumping, especially in female. Male always fully winged: female > usually brachypterous as illustrated. 6-9 in rough grassland, mainly on composites. .& Orthotylus virescens. 6-9 on broom. Partly predatory. One of many rather similar t f r ,• green bugs in this genus, although rather darker than most. Specific identification is .. ' ,.., difficult in this genus, although host plant is a good guide. The genus may be confused . '/ with some species of Lyglls and Lygocoris, but these genera are generally more robust f-" and they have a distinct collar at the front of the pronotum . t if~ ••r~.,f~,);I:~J'~'\:;i •••• Black-kneed Capsid Blepharidopterus angulatus. Named for the black patches at the ~./'/ /\ .0'[' tips of the tibiae - especia1Jy prominent in the nymphs. Antennae much shorter in i il'// \ j' some males. 6-10 on a wide range of trees, especially apple and lime. Partly predatory, Orthotylus ",' pilophorus \ ' \, virescens destroying large numbers of red spider mites in orchards. perp/exus x 3 .. x3 Pi/ophorus perp/exus. Pale bands are due to silvery hairs. 6-10 on oaks and other f ),-t"acephalus Black-kneed deciduous trees, feeding mainly on aphids and sometimes on leaves and young fruits. ,"ltator x 3 Capsid x 3 Rather active and sometimes mistaken for ants.••. P. cinnarnopterlls is similar but lives on pines. / .... / " / \ ..•. Carnpylonellra virgllia. Bright yellow cuneus with red apex distinguishes this from '\ / \ / several otherwise similar bugs.
    [Show full text]
  • Pinewood Studios Ltd Pinewood ES Volume 5 Appendices (Ii)
    KDAJB:* EGD?:8I F?D;MEE: 9D8JB:CI+ :CK>GDCB:CI6AHI6I:B:CIKDAJB:*/ 6EE:C9>8:H^^ B6N'%%. Pinewood Studios Ltd Pinewood ES Volume 5 Appendices (ii) Contents Appendix 10.1 Main Site Extended Phase1 Habitat Survey Report Appendix 10.2 Main Site Bat Survey Report Appendix 10.3 Main Site Great Crested Newt Survey Report Appendix 10.4 Main Site Dormouse and Badger Survey Report Appendix 10.5 Main Site Reptile Survey Report Appendix 10.6 Main Site Breeding Bird Survey Report Appendix 10.7 Main Site Wintering Bird Survey Report Appendix 10.8 Main Site Invertebrate Survey Report Appendix 10.9 Main Site Botanical Survey Species List Appendix 10.10 Main Site Tree Appraisal Appendix 10.11 Highways Infrastructure Extended Phase 1 Survey Report Appendix 10.12 Highways Infrastructure Protected Species Survey Report Appendix 10.13 Ecology Strategy Appendix 11.1 Extracts from Envirocheck Report Appendix 11.2 Stabilisation Date Criteria - Extract from Section 106 Agreement Appendix 11.3 Logs of Boreholes and Trial Pits, Concept 2008 Appendix 11.4 Screening of Soil Chemical Testing Results, Concept 2008 Appendix 11.5 Screening of Groundwater and Surface Water Chemical Testing Results, Concept 2008 Appendix 11.6 Data obtained from BCC : Landfill Gas Concentrations, Leachate Quality Analyses, Leachate Level and Groundwater Level Measurements Appendix 11.7 Screening of Landfill Leachate Chemical Testing Results, Concept 2008 Appendix 11.8 Ground Gas Monitoring Data, Concept 2008 Appendix 12.1 Infrastructure Drawings Appendix 12.2 EA Scoping Opinion Appendix
    [Show full text]
  • Evolutionary Patterns of Host Plant Use by Delphacid Planthoppers
    population dynamics. Plant de­ specificity are considered with 1 crop varieties resistant to del- plant architecture on the abun­ n Chapter 3 (Denno). Species­ Evolutionary Patterns of Host Plant ' geographic and plant patch Use by Delphacid Planthoppers and density and plant diversity on l. The causal mechanisms for Their Relatives 1 and persistence are discussed its such as dispersal ability and ization and persistence. Stephen W. Wilson, Charles Mitter, Robert F. Denno and Michael R. Wilson Introduction Planthoppers (Homoptera: Fulgoroidea) are found on every continent ex­ cept Antarctica and in all major biomes, including tropical rainforests, deserts, grasslands, and the arctic tundra (O'Brien and Wilson 1985). The more than 9000 described species are divided into 19 families (O'Brien and Wilson 1985; Wheeler and Wilson 1987). All species of Fulgoroidea are phytophagous, sucking fluids from leaves, stems, roots, or fungal hyphae. There are species which feed on woody plants (both angiosperms and gymnosperms), herbs, ferns, and even fungi (O'Brien and Wilson 1985). The largest and most studied family of planthoppers is the Delphacidae which includes more than 2000 species in approximately 300 genera and 6 subfamilies (Asche 1985, 1990). Most continental delphacids are associated with monocots, particularly grasses and sedges (Wilson and O'Brien 1987; Denno and Roderick 1990 ), whereas some species, especially those on oceanic archipelagos, have radiated on dicots as well (Giffard 1922; Zim­ merman 1948). Their predilection for monocots, phloem-feeding habit, oviposition behavior and ability to transmit pathogens have contributed to the severe pest status of several delphacid species on rice, corn, sugarcane, and several cereal crops (Wilson and O'Brien 1987).
    [Show full text]