Is the mating process of Mahanarva spectabilis (Hemiptera: Cercopidae) mediated by chemical signals?

Abstract

Mahanarva spectabilis (Distant) is an important pasture pest in Brazil and represents an obstacle to forage production. Elucidating the chemical signals involved in the communication of this species is essential for finding new control alternatives. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether chemical signals are involved in the mating process of M. spectabilis. In the first trial, the insect's behavior was evaluated in cages with male: female ratios of 4:1 and 1:4. As soon as copulation began, the behavior of males or females around the copulating couple was recorded. In subsequent trials, the olfactory responses of males and females of M. spectabilis were evaluated in a Y-shaped olfactometer for volatiles released by males, females and mating pairs. At a male: female ratio of 4:1, there were significantly more touches by the other males of the copulating couple. The number of individuals attached to the copulating couple and the copulation time did not differ significantly in relation to the male: female ratio used. The attractiveness of males to copulating pairs was also observed in the olfactometry test, in which males were significantly attracted only to copulating pairs and to the extract of copulating pairs. The females showed no olfactory attraction to any of the odor sources offered. This shows that chemical signals are involved in the mating process of M. spectabilis.