First assays on the response of adults of Philaenus spumarius (Hemiptera: Aphrophoridae) to different host plants

Abstract

Spittlebugs are responsible for the spread of Xylella fastidiosa in several Europan countries. This bacterium (X. fastidiosa subspecies multiplex) was found attacking almond trees in the Valencian Community (Eastern Spain) in 2017, producing the “Almond Leaf Scorch Disease”. Since then, Philaenus spumarius has been identified as the main insect species involved in transmission between plants. One key factor in understanding the epidemiology of the bacterium is to determine the host plant feeding preference of its insect vectors.