Host plant testing of the spittle bug carystoterpa fingens by stylet penetration behaviour

Carystoterpa fingens (Walker) is an endemic xylem feeder It was chosen as a model insect for the glassy winged sharp shooter (Homalodisca coagulata (Say)) The electrical penetration graph (EPG) technique was used to measure realtime stylet penetration and feeding behaviour of 48 adult C fingens on four plant types hebe (Hebe pubescens) rengarenga lily (Arthropodium cirratum) wild iris (Dietes bicolor) and cabbage (Brassica oleracea) over 12 days EPG waveforms were recorded for 12 hours and the duration of the main penetration events (pathway ingestion and nonprobing phases) of the insects were analysed to compare host preferences There were no significant differences in the duration of ingestion indicating that all the plants were potential hosts for C fingens Insects on hebe showed the shortest nonprobing time suggesting that hebe was the most preferred host as expected from observations in the wild