Seasonal Light-Trap Collections of the Twolined Spittlebug in Southern Georgia123

Abstract

When adult Prosapia bicincta (Say) were collected daily from light traps in Tift County, Georgia, in 1964–66, 3 periods of peak activity appeared, the 1st 2 peaks in June and early July during the 1st generation and the 3rd (associated with other minor peaks) during the 2nd generation. Females made up only 19% or less of the collections from high traps (62–108 in. above ground), but the proportion was greater in most low traps (6 in. above ground). Also, the percentages of the sexes were about equal in collections made from 2 low traps in a heavily infested and severely damaged pasture planted to Coastal bermudagrass. Thus the height of the traps and the location (in areas of light (undamaged) or heavy (severely damaged) populations) were related to the proportion and number of females collected. The gravidity was determined by dissection of females, but it did not correlate with the height of the traps. Hourly collections in 1966 from a trap operated from 6 PM to 6 AM EST for 8 weeks showed that flight activity usually peaked at 9 or 10 PM.