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Query: "author" (Jernej Polajnar) .

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1.
Leafhopper males compensate for unclear directional cues in vibration-mediated mate localization
Jernej Polajnar, Ana Kuhelj, Rok Janža, Nada Žnidaršič, Tatjana Simčič, Meta Virant-Doberlet, 2023, original scientific article

Abstract: Ambient noise and transmission properties of the substrate pose challenges in vibrational signal-mediated mating behavior of arthropods, because vibrational signal production is energetically demanding. We explored implications of these challenges in the leafhopper Aphrodes makarovi (Insecta: Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) by exposing males to various kinds of vibrational noise on a natural substrate and challenging them to find the source of the female playback. Contrary to expectations, males exposed to noise were at least as efficient as control males on account of similar searching success with less signaling effort, while playing back male–female duets allowed the males to switch to satellite behavior and locate the target without signaling, as expected. We found altered mitochondrial structure in males with high signaling effort that likely indicate early damaging processes at the cellular level in tymbal muscle, but no relation between biochemical markers of oxidative stress and signaling effort. Analysis of signal transmission revealed ambiguous amplitude gradients, which might explain relatively low searching success, but it also indicates the existence of behavioral adaptations to complex vibrational environments. We conclude that the observed searching tactic, emphasizing speed rather than thorough evaluation of directional cues, may compensate for unclear stimuli when the target is near.
Keywords: biotremology, vibrational communication, sexual behavior of insects, impact of noise on behavior, metabolism of vibrational production
Published in DiRROS: 12.07.2024; Views: 14; Downloads: 8
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2.
Wing buzzing as a mechanism for generating vibrational signals in psyllids (Hemiptera: Psylloidea)
Jernej Polajnar, Elizaveta Kvinikadze, Adam W. Harley, Igor Malenovský, 2024, original scientific article

Abstract: Psyllids, or jumping plant lice (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Psylloidea), are a group of small phytophagous insects that include some important pests of crops worldwide. Sexual communication of psyllids occurs via vibrations transmitted through host plants, which play an important role in mate recognition and localization. The signals are species-specific and can be used to aid in psyllid taxonomy and pest control. Several hypotheses have been proposed for the mechanism that generates these vibrations, of which stridulation, that is, friction between parts of the forewing and thorax, has received the most attention. We have investigated vibrational communication in the European pear psyllid species Cacopsylla pyrisuga (Foerster, 1848) using laser vibrometry and high-speed video recording, to directly observe the movements associated with signal production. We describe for the first time the basic characteristics of the signals and signal emission of this species. Based on observations and analysis of the video recordings using a point-tracking algorithm, and their comparison with laser vibrometer recordings, we argue that males of C. pyrisuga produce the vibrations primarily by wing buzzing, that is, tremulation that does not involve friction between the wings and thorax. Comparing observed signal properties with previously published data, we predict that wing buzzing is the main mechanism of signal production in all vibrating psyllids.
Keywords: biotremology, substrate-borne vibrational signals, vibrational signals, jumping plant lice, tremulation
Published in DiRROS: 19.06.2024; Views: 106; Downloads: 63
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