Vibrational communication in Psyllids

Psyllids are small insects that can vector causal agents of serious plant diseases, such as greening in citrus and zebra chip disease in potatoes. Several invasive psyllid species are expanding their geographic range, but there are few pest management tactics available at present. Vibrational communication is a primary intra-specific communication channel within Psylloidea, being widespread among almost all the families. In psyllids, vibrational signals are used for mate location and mate choice by means of a male–female duet. Depending on the species, the first call can be emitted either by the male or the female and if a potential mate replies, the duet is eventually established. Some psyllid males produce a specific response signal when a female replies to their call, while in most other species the male uses a unique type of vibrational signal throughout the mating process. Most psyllids likely emit vibrations by means of stridulation, in which signals can be produced when the sclerotised areas of the anal vein of the wings rub against the scutellum, which bears scale-like denticles. Recent evidence suggests that novel methods of trapping or mating disruption using vibrational communication could provide solutions for monitoring and control psyllid pests. For instance, the vibrational signals of the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, and the North American tomato potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli, have been tested as monitoring and trapping tools, and similar studies have been initiated on other species.