Oviposition site preference of Barbitistes vicetinus (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae) during outbreaks

Abstract

Abstract Barbitistes vicetinus is an endemic bush‐cricket of north‐east Italy that causes heavy damage to woody vegetation and crops. Because the species was described in the late 1990s and outbreaks occurred only in the last decade, no data are currently available on pest biology and ecology. Female oviposition preference, in particular, is a key factor for understanding species habitat use, as well as for developing species monitoring and control programmes. We tested the influence of vegetation type (forest, vineyard and hedgerow) and soil cover (broadleaf litter and grass) on the oviposition preference of the species. A 3‐year study was conducted and 18 sites across the outbreak area were sampled with emergence traps. A higher nymph density was recorded in woody vegetation than in vineyards without a density gradient from the inner forest to the edge. Moreover, a significantly lower density was found under grass cover (approximately three individuals per trap) compared with broadleaf litter (approximately 39 individuals per trap). Although B. vicetinus is commonly found in vineyards, where it can cause severe damage, these habitats did not offer to the species suitable oviposition sites. These results provide useful insights with respect to the management of B. vicetinus outbreaks.