A migration analysis of Sogatella furcifera (Horváth) (Homoptera: Delphacidae) using hourly catches and a three‐dimensional simulation model

Abstract

Abstract Migrations of Sogatella furcifera captured in Japan in the 2003 season were analysed using hourly catches and a simulation model. The catch data showed several clear migration peaks, with average durations of 4 h. The peaks were separated from each other by approximately 12 h, corresponding to the observed fact that planthoppers take off at dusk or dawn. The simulation model comprised two components: a numerical weather forecast submodel, MM5, and a particle dispersion submodel, GEARN. The simulation model used three‐dimensional meteorological data and calculated the relative aerial density of migrating planthoppers to allow analysis of the timing and area of migrations in Japan. The simulation model, together with the hourly catches, enabled an estimation of migration source regions. Possible migration sources during our hourly observation period were located in the coastal area of Fujian province in China, as well as Taiwan.