Vibrational-communication
Guides
Acroneuria abnormis
Common Stone
Acroneuria abnormis, commonly known as the common stone, is a species of stonefly in the family Perlidae. It is widely distributed across North America. The species is notable for its drumming behavior during mating, which produces species-specific vibrational signals used for identification and mate recognition.
Anostostomatidae
wētā, king crickets
Anostostomatidae is a family of large, nocturnal orthopterans in the superfamily Stenopelmatoidea, distributed across the southern hemisphere in South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and parts of the Americas. Members are commonly known as king crickets in Australia and South Africa, and wētā in New Zealand. The family exhibits considerable size variation, with some species exceeding 8 cm in length. Many species are flightless, though winged forms occur in some Australian and Asian genera. The family is notable for diverse feeding strategies including herbivory, scavenging, predation, and specialized fungal feeding.
Antispila nysaefoliella
Tupelo Leafminer Moth
Antispila nysaefoliella is a leafmining moth in the family Heliozelidae. Larvae feed exclusively on black tupelo (Nyssa sylvatica), creating mines in leaves. The species is notable for producing distinct seismic signals during feeding and locomotion. Adults are small with a wingspan of approximately 8 mm and are active in spring.
Aphalara
jumping plant lice, psyllids
Aphalara is a genus of jumping plant lice (psyllids) in the family Aphalaridae and tribe Aphalarini. The genus contains approximately 37 recognized valid species distributed across the Palearctic, Nearctic, and Neotropical regions. Many species are specialized herbivores of Polygonaceae, particularly Polygonum and Rumex, with some groups showing strict host associations. The genus includes A. itadori, a widely studied biological control agent for invasive knotweeds (Reynoutria/Fallopia spp.) in Europe and North America. Species exhibit diverse biologies including gall induction on host plants and vibrational communication during mate search.
Aphrodes makarovi
Aphrodes makarovi is a leafhopper species in the family Cicadellidae, first described by Zakhvatkin in 1948. It has been historically confused with A. aestuarina due to morphological similarities and misidentifications in museum collections. The species is distinguished by male genitalia morphology, vibrational mating signals, and mitochondrial DNA. It is one of several Aphrodes species that co-occur syntopically, making accurate identification essential for ecological and vector studies.
Aphrodinae
leafhoppers
Aphrodinae is a subfamily of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, containing approximately 7 genera and at least 20 described species. The subfamily is divided into three tribes: Aphrodini, Sagmatiini, and Xestocephalini. Members are distributed across the Holarctic, Neotropical, and Australasian regions, with some species exhibiting notable morphological variability, particularly in Alpine populations. Species identification relies heavily on male genital morphology and, in some groups, acoustic signaling.
Centrotus cornutus
Horned Treehopper, Thorn-hopper
Centrotus cornutus, commonly known as the Horned Treehopper or Thorn-hopper, is a distinctive treehopper species in the family Membracidae. Adults are recognized by their pronounced pronotal extensions that form horn-like projections, which function in camouflage by resembling thorns or plant parts. The species has a two-year life cycle and overwinters as larvae in leaf litter. It is one of only two treehopper species recorded in the United Kingdom.
Chrysoperla
Common Green Lacewings
Chrysoperla is a genus of green lacewings in the family Chrysopidae, tribe Chrysopini, containing approximately 67 described species with a cosmopolitan distribution. Adults are characterized by a pale yellowish stripe down the middle of the body and delicate, transparent wings. The genus is notable for its use in biological pest control, as larvae are predatory and feed on aphids, mites, and other soft-bodied insects. Species identification is complicated by morphological similarity; many species are distinguished primarily by male genitalia features and species-specific vibrational courtship songs rather than external appearance.
Chrysoperla externa
green lacewing
Chrysoperla externa is a species of green lacewing in the family Chrysopidae, native to the Americas. Like other members of the genus Chrysoperla, its larvae are predatory on soft-bodied insects, particularly aphids, making it valuable for biological pest control. The species is part of the taxonomically challenging Chrysoperla carnea-group, in which species are often difficult to distinguish morphologically and are instead identified by their species-specific vibrational songs. It has been documented across much of South America and in parts of North America including Hawaii.
Drepana
hook-tip moths
Drepana is a genus of hook-tip moths in the family Drepanidae, subfamily Drepaninae. The genus includes species with distinctive falcate (sickle-shaped) forewings that give the group its common name. Larvae are folivorous, feeding primarily on birch and alder. Some species exhibit notable vibrational communication behaviors during larval territorial contests. Adults are nocturnal and fly primarily in spring and summer.
Drepana bilineata
warty birch caterpillar
Drepana bilineata is a moth species in the family Drepanidae, commonly known as the warty birch caterpillar. Its larvae are notable for their specialized vibrational communication, using two distinct signals—mandible drumming and anal scraping—to defend feeding territories on birch leaves. The species exhibits territorial behavior where resident caterpillars signal more frequently than intruders and win the majority of conflicts. This represents one of only two described examples of vibrational communication in Drepanoidea caterpillars.
Enchenopa
Enchenopa is a genus of treehoppers (family Membracidae) containing more than 50 described species. The genus underwent major revision in 2014, resulting in 51 recognized species. Members are characterized by their enlarged, often ornate pronotum typical of treehoppers. The Enchenopa binotata species complex has been extensively studied as a model system for sympatric speciation through host plant shifts, with different species or populations specialized on distinct host plants and exhibiting assortative mating based on plant-associated vibrational signals.
Enchenopa binotata
Two-marked Treehopper Complex, twomarked treehopper
Enchenopa binotata is a species complex of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, currently recognized as comprising multiple cryptic species that have diverged through host plant specialization. The complex occurs primarily in eastern North America with some records in Central America. Members are morphologically similar but reproductively isolated through assortative mating based on host plant-associated vibrational communication signals. This system is a classic model for studying sympatric speciation via host shifts.
Erasmoneura
Erasmoneura is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae containing approximately 14 described species, most of which are native to North America. The genus includes E. vulnerata, a significant grapevine pest that has become invasive in Europe. Erasmoneura species are associated with Vitaceae host plants, with documented feeding on grapevines (Vitis spp.) and Virginia creeper (Parthenocissus spp.). The genus is characterized by small size, typical of the Typhlocybinae subfamily, and members use vibrational communication for mating.
Erasmoneura variabilis
Variegated Leafhopper
Erasmoneura variabilis, commonly known as the Variegated Leafhopper, is a small cicadellid leafhopper native to western North America. It feeds on grapevines (Vitis spp.) and has been studied for its mating communication through substrate-borne vibrational signals. The species is of concern to California viticulture due to direct feeding damage caused by piercing-sucking mouthparts. Research indicates it uses complex vibrational signaling with distinct male and female signals during pair formation, suggesting potential for behavioral mating disruption as a management strategy.
Eurymelinae
Eurymelinae is a subfamily of leafhoppers (Cicadellidae) with worldwide distribution. Members are phloem-feeding insects that maintain complex obligate symbioses with microorganisms including bacteria (Sulcia, Nasuia, Sodalis) and yeast-like fungi (Ophiocordycipitaceae) to synthesize essential amino acids. The subfamily exhibits notable ecological diversity, including ant-attended species that engage in trophobiosis.
Flatidae
Flatid Planthoppers
Flatidae are a family of planthoppers in the superfamily Fulgoroidea, distributed worldwide. Adults of some species display brightly colored forewings (tegmina), while others are camouflaged with waxy secretions. They feed on phloem sap and some species communicate using substrate-borne vibrations through plant stems. The family contains two subfamilies distinguished by body shape and wing posture: Flatinae with laterally flattened bodies and tent-like tegmina, and Flatoidinae with uncompressed bodies and more horizontal wing positioning.
Fulgoromorpha
planthoppers
Fulgoromorpha is an infraorder of Hemiptera containing over 12,500 described species worldwide, commonly known as planthoppers. These insects are characterized by plant-feeding habits using piercing-sucking mouthparts to extract phloem sap. The group exhibits remarkable morphological diversity, including elaborate head ornamentation in some families such as Fulgoridae. Planthoppers are distributed globally across terrestrial ecosystems, with particularly high diversity in tropical regions. While most species are not economically significant, some have emerged as serious agricultural pests, notably the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) in North America.
Gargara genistae
Gargara genistae is a small treehopper in the family Membracidae, subfamily Centrotinae, characterized by a prominent backward-projecting pronotum and dark brown coloration. The species is oligophagous, feeding exclusively on phloem sap of shrubby Fabaceae including brooms and related genera. It is widely distributed across the Holarctic, Ethiopian, and Oriental regions, with occasional records in North America as an apparent introduction. Males produce species-specific substrate-borne calling signals used for mate recognition; cryptic species within this group are distinguished by acoustic rather than morphological characters.
Graphocephala fennahi
rhododendron leafhopper
Graphocephala fennahi, commonly known as the rhododendron leafhopper, is a colorful leafhopper species native to the southeastern United States. Adults measure 8–10 mm in length, with males slightly smaller than females. The species exhibits striking coloration: green wings with purple tips featuring two orange stripes, yellow head and legs, and a purple stripe across the head extending over the eyes. Introduced to Great Britain in the 1930s and continental Europe in the 1970s, it has established populations in urban and ornamental settings. The species feeds exclusively on rhododendron sap using piercing-sucking mouthparts.
Gryllotalpa major
prairie mole cricket
Gryllotalpa major, the prairie mole cricket, is the largest cricket species in North America, endemic to the tallgrass prairie ecosystems of the south-central United States. Males exhibit a classical lekking mating system, constructing specialized acoustic burrows that amplify their calling songs to attract flying females from distances up to 400 meters. The species is threatened by habitat loss due to prairie conversion, with current populations restricted to fragmented sites in Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Arkansas. Research has documented unique acoustic behaviors, including harmonic chirps rather than trills, and vibrational communication between neighboring males through the soil.
Hebetica sylviae
Hebetica sylviae is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, first described in 2019 from specimens discovered in Murray, Kentucky. It is the sole Nearctic representative of the genus Hebetica and the only member of the tribe Darnini (raindrop treehoppers) in the Eastern United States. Adults are distinguished by their green coloration when alive, which is uncommon among U.S. treehoppers. The species is associated with mulberry trees (Morus spp.) and has been documented in Kentucky and Georgia.
Heliozelidae
Shield-bearing Moths, Shield Bearer Moths
Heliozelidae are a family of small, primitive monotrysian moths in the order Lepidoptera. Adults are typically metallic, day-flying moths with shiny smooth heads and wingspans of 4–5 mm. Larvae are specialized leaf miners that feed between leaf epidermises, creating distinctive blotch or serpentine mines. A defining family trait is the larval habit of cutting oval shield-like cases from the mined leaf tissue, which are used for pupation; these shields are attached by silk to bark, leaves, twigs, or other substrates. The family has gained attention due to several invasive species that have expanded their ranges, particularly in Europe.
Homalodisca vitripennis
Glassy-winged Sharpshooter
Homalodisca vitripennis, commonly known as the glassy-winged sharpshooter, is a large leafhopper native to the southeastern United States and northeastern Mexico. It has become a major invasive pest in California, Hawaii, and the Pacific Islands, where it vectors Xylella fastidiosa, the bacterium causing Pierce's disease of grapevine—a lethal condition for vineyards. The species exhibits complex vibrational communication during mating, with males and females engaging in duets using species-specific signals. Populations in California's Central Valley have developed significant resistance to neonicotinoid insecticides, particularly imidacloprid, creating challenges for chemical management. Classical biological control using egg parasitoids from the genus Gonatocerus (family Mymaridae) has proven effective, with parasitism rates reaching 80-100% in some areas.
Isogenoides
springflies
Isogenoides is a genus of springflies (family Perlodidae) comprising eight described species distributed across North America. These stoneflies inhabit cool, lotic freshwater systems and exhibit species-specific vibrational communication through drumming. The genus demonstrates considerable life history diversity, including extended diapause periods and semivoltine development in some populations.
Kybos
Kybos is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Typhlocybinae. Species occur in Europe, New Zealand, Northern America, and Central Asia. At least six species have been documented in Kyrgyzstan, with four being native and endemic to Central Asia and two apparently introduced. Males produce species-specific vibrational calling signals used in mate recognition.
Lygocoris
green capsid bugs
Lygocoris is a genus of plant-feeding true bugs in the family Miridae, commonly known as green capsid bugs. The genus contains approximately 40 described species distributed across Eurasia and North America. Several species are economically significant agricultural pests, particularly Lygocoris pabulinus (common green capsid), which damages apple and other fruit crops. Species in this genus exhibit host-plant alternation between woody and herbaceous plants, and communicate using species-specific vibrational signals for mate location.
Macrolophus pygmaeus
Macrolophus pygmaeus is a zoophytophagous plant bug in the family Miridae, widely distributed across Europe, North Africa, and Central Asia. It functions as a generalist predator of agricultural pests including whiteflies, aphids, thrips, and spider mites, while also feeding on plant sap and extrafloral nectar. The species has been extensively studied for its potential as a biological control agent in greenhouse vegetable crops, particularly for controlling whiteflies and the tomato leafminer Tuta absoluta. Males produce distinctive vibrational signals during courtship and male-male interactions.
Nezara viridula
Southern Green Stink Bug, Southern Green Shield Bug, Green Vegetable Bug
Nezara viridula is a cosmopolitan, shield-shaped stink bug and major agricultural pest of leguminous crops, particularly soybeans, beans, and peas. Native to tropical and subtropical regions, it has spread worldwide through human trade and strong flight capability. The species exhibits complex behaviors including aggregation, maternal guarding of egg masses, and vibrational communication for mate location. In temperate zones, adults enter winter diapause with a reversible color change from green to brown or russet.
Platycotis vittata
Oak Treehopper
Platycotis vittata, commonly known as the oak treehopper, is a North American treehopper species in the family Membracidae. It is an obligate specialist on oak trees (Quercus spp.) and exhibits notable presocial behavior including maternal care of eggs and nymphs. Adults are 9–13 mm in length with variable coloration ranging from sea green to bronze, olive green, or pale blue with red dots or four lengthwise stripes. The species is bivoltine, producing two discrete generations in early spring and autumn, with females of both generations entering diapause. Males locate and court females using substrate-borne vibrational signals.
Polistes dominula
European Paper Wasp
Polistes dominula is a highly successful invasive social wasp native to Eurasia that has established populations across North America, South America, New Zealand, South Africa, and other regions. First detected in North America near Boston in 1978, it has become one of the most abundant wasps on the continent. The species builds small, exposed paper nests in protected locations and preys primarily on live insects, particularly caterpillars. Unlike yellowjackets, it does not scavenge for meat or sugar. Its rapid spread has been attributed to ecological flexibility, superior competitive ability, and tolerance of human-altered environments.
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Polyglyptini is a tribe of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, subfamily Smiliinae. The tribe contains at least four genera—Bryantopsis, Entylia, Polyglyptini, and Publilia—with approximately nine described species. Members exhibit the characteristic enlarged pronotum typical of Membracidae, though specific morphological features distinguishing this tribe from related groups remain poorly documented in available literature.
Psammotettix
Psammotettix is a genus of leafhoppers in family Cicadellidae, tribe Paralimnini. Species occur in Eurasia and North America. Several species are significant agricultural pests as vectors of wheat viruses, including Wheat dwarf virus and Wheat yellow striate virus. The genus includes both generalist and halophilic species.
Psylloidea
jumping plant lice, psyllids, psylloids
Psylloidea is a superfamily of true bugs (Hemiptera) in the suborder Sternorrhyncha, commonly known as jumping plant lice or psyllids. The group comprises approximately 3,800 described species classified into seven extant families: Aphalaridae, Calophyidae, Carsidaridae, Liviidae, Mastigimatidae, Psyllidae, and Triozidae. Fossil evidence indicates the superfamily originated in the Early Jurassic, though modern families do not appear until the Eocene. Psyllids are obligate phloem-feeders, typically exhibiting high host specificity with most species restricted to a single plant species or closely related group. Many species are economically significant agricultural pests, notably as vectors of bacterial and viral plant pathogens.
Pteronarcella
giant stoneflies, least salmonfly, dwarf salmonfly
Pteronarcella is a genus of giant stoneflies (family Pteronarcyidae) containing at least two described species: Pteronarcella badia (least salmonfly) and Pteronarcella regularis (dwarf salmonfly). These are among the largest stoneflies in North America, with adults known for their distinctive drumming communication behavior. Research on P. badia has provided significant insights into aquatic insect phylogeography and dispersal mechanisms in western North America.
Scaphoideus
Scaphoideus is a genus of leafhoppers in the family Cicadellidae, subfamily Deltocephalinae. The genus is best known for Scaphoideus titanus, the American grapevine leafhopper, which is the primary vector of Flavescence dorée phytoplasma, a serious disease of grapevines in European vineyards. Members of this genus are small, plant-feeding insects with piercing-sucking mouthparts. The genus has a Nearctic origin, with S. titanus introduced to Europe approximately 150 years ago, likely via American rootstock material.
Scaphoideus titanus
American grapevine leafhopper
Scaphoideus titanus is a leafhopper native to North America that has become a major agricultural pest in Europe. Introduced accidentally around 150 years ago, likely via American rootstock material, it now acts as the primary vector of the grapevine phytoplasma disease Flavescence dorée (FD). The species exhibits unique vibrational communication for mating, with males producing substrate-borne signals detected by females. This trait has been exploited for developing mating disruption control methods. In Europe, the species is monophagous on cultivated grapevines, whereas in North America it feeds on various Vitaceae including wild grapevines.
Soliperla sierra
Soliperla sierra is a stonefly species in the family Peltoperlidae, first described by Stark in 1983. The species is notable for its vibrational communication system, with male call and response signals described for the first time in a 2023 study. Males produce repeated monophasic call signals consisting of one to six signals with inconsistent inter-call intervals. Females respond with sequenced monophasic answers that do not follow all male calls, and occasional three-way exchanges occur when males respond to female answers. The species is known from California.
Spissistilus festinus
threecornered alfalfa hopper, three-cornered alfalfa hopper
Spissistilus festinus is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, commonly known as the threecornered alfalfa hopper. It is a significant agricultural pest of leguminous crops, particularly alfalfa, soybeans, and peanuts, causing damage through stem girdling. The species has gained additional economic importance as the confirmed vector of Grapevine red blotch virus (GRBV), a pathogen threatening North American viticulture. Two distinct genetic lineages exist in the United States—Southeastern and Californian—with documented differences in viral transmission efficiency. The species exhibits a hemimetabolous life cycle with temperature-dependent development rates and uses substrate-borne vibrational signals in mating communication.
Stictocephala basalis
Stictocephala basalis is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae that uses substrate-borne vibrational signals for mating communication. Males produce advertising calls and exhibit distinctive "call-fly" behavior, moving between host plants while calling until they locate responsive females. The species is strongly associated with grapevines and is suspected to be a vector for Grapevine Red Blotch Disease, making it a pest of concern in vineyard agriculture.
Tetraopes tetrophthalmus
Red Milkweed Beetle
Tetraopes tetrophthalmus, commonly known as the red milkweed beetle, is a longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) specialized on milkweed host plants. Both its genus and species names derive from Ancient Greek for "four eyes," referring to the extreme adaptation where antennal bases bisect the compound eyes. Adults are aposematically colored in red and black, warning predators of their toxicity derived from sequestered cardiac glycosides. The species exhibits specialized behaviors including vein-cutting to disable latex defenses, vibrational communication for mating and territorial contests, and substrate-borne signaling distinct for different social contexts.
Tylopelta gibbera
Tylopelta gibbera is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, characterized by its use of vibrational communication during mating displays. Males produce substrate-borne signals transmitted through host plant stems to locate receptive females, with documented cases of vibrational masking when multiple males compete. The species maintains mutualistic relationships with ants, which defend nymphs in exchange for honeydew.
Umbonia
Thorn Treehoppers
Umbonia is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, characterized by pronounced pronotal modifications that form thorn-like or horn-like projections. The genus occurs primarily in the Neotropics, with species distributed from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Members of this genus exhibit subsocial behavior, with females providing extended parental care to nymphal offspring. Several species, particularly Umbonia crassicornis, have been studied intensively for their complex maternal care systems involving vibrational communication between mothers and offspring. The genus includes approximately 16 described species, with Umbonia crassicornis being the most commonly encountered and economically significant species.
Umbonia crassicornis
Thorn bug, Thorn Treehopper
Umbonia crassicornis is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, notable for its pronounced sexual dimorphism in pronotal horn structure and extensive maternal care. Adult females deposit approximately 100 eggs into plant stems or under bark, then remain with the developing nymphs until adulthood—a rare subsocial behavior among insects. Nymphs and adults form dense aggregations, with offspring communicating danger to the mother through synchronized vibrational signals that trigger her antipredator defense. The species feeds on plant sap and is occasionally a pest of ornamental and fruit trees in southern Florida and Puerto Rico.
Zootermopsis nevadensis
Nevada Dampwood Termite, Nevada Termite
Zootermopsis nevadensis is a eusocial dampwood termite in the family Archotermopsidae, native to the western United States. It is a hemimetabolous species with complex caste differentiation including workers, soldiers, alates, and neotenic reproductives. The species has been extensively studied for its genomic characteristics, including exceptionally high DNA methylation levels and reduced opsin genes associated with its subterranean lifestyle. Two subspecies are recognized: Z. n. nevadensis and Z. n. nuttingi, with the latter having its genome sequenced.
Zootermopsis nevadensis nevadensis
damp-wood termite, Nevada dampwood termite
Zootermopsis nevadensis nevadensis is a lower termite subspecies inhabiting cooler coastal and higher elevation areas of the western United States. It lives entirely within damp wood and does not forage outside its gallery system. The species exhibits hemimetabolous development with multiple progressive juvenile instars that function as workers. These workers retain developmental plasticity, capable of differentiating into alates (winged reproductives), neotenic reproductives, or soldiers depending on colony needs. The subspecies possesses exceptionally high levels of DNA methylation compared to other insects, with methylation patterns more similar to non-insect invertebrates than to holometabolous insects.
Zygiella x-notata
missing sector orb weaver, silver-sided sector spider, Winter Spider, Opensector Orbweaver
Zygiella x-notata is an orb-weaving spider distinguished by its characteristic web with a missing sector in the upper half, connected by a signal thread to a peripheral retreat. Adult females measure 5–11 mm, males up to 7 mm. The species exhibits strong synanthropic behavior, commonly found on human structures such as window frames, walls, and fences. It has an annual life cycle with reproduction in summer and egg sac production in autumn. Native to Europe, it has been introduced to North America, New Zealand, and other regions worldwide.