Big time for small singers

Use and benefit of laser vibrometry in insect research.
Cicadas, leafhoppers, planthoppers and spittlebugs (also called Auchenorrhyncha) are a very diverse group of animals within the insect world. Nevertheless, relatively little is known about their behavior and phylogeny. Vibrational signals play an important role in species recognition and mating behavior. Here, the use of laser vibrometers is extremely helpful.

The problem:
In contrast to cicadas songs, which are easily heard unaided by humans, leafhoppers and planthoppers use substrate-born signals. They produce vibrations (100-3000Hz) that can only be registered on the plant the animal is sitting on. Substrate-born signals were ignored for a long time although they are widespread among insects. The songs, often sounding like drums, are produced by so-called tympal organs, plates on the abdomen, set into vibration by muscles. Duets can often be observed between males and females. Because this communication is mainly used to find mates, it is believed that the songs are species specific and therefore a barrier to other species (biological species concept).
Species differenciation is difficult for many groups of Auchenorrhyncha, and until now the identification is mainly based on anatomical characteristics. However these are often very small, so other features are needed for identification. Aside from molecular methods, it turns out that bioacoustics is a helpful solution.

https://issuu.com/polytecgmbh/docs/om_infocus_2014_08_2000_e_42332/30