An Improved Electronic Measurement System for Studying Ingestion and Salivation Activities of Leafhoppers

Abstract

An improved electronic measurement system for recording activities associated with ingestion and salivation of leafhoppers has been developed through the utilization of new devices and modifications of a previously designed aphid measurement system (McLean and Weigt 1968). The significant improvements which enhance the capabilities of the system include: (1) a variable oscillator circuit (500–2000 Hz) to provide higher input frequencies to food substrates; (2) a logarithmic amplifier which prevents strip-chart recorder voltage overrides; (3) a strip-chart event marker for simultaneous waveform correlation and (4) a two-channel recording system for monitoring two insects simultaneously. Although the improved system was designed primarily to more efficiently and effectively monitor the ingestion and salivation activities of the green rice leafhopper Nephotettix cincticeps Uhler, the technical capabilities of the system should enable it to be used to monitor the ingestion and salivation behavior of nearly all insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts.