Predátor jelenlétének hatása a csíkos gabonakabóca táplálkozási sikerességére

Abstract

Effects of predator presence on leafhoppers’ feeding success In my thesis I studied non-consumptive interactions between the virus vector leafhopper Psammotettix alienus which is a dominant sap feeding pest in cereal fields, and the hunting spider Tibellus oblongus which is a dominant predator of arable fields, grassy field margins and meadows. In order to acquire nutrients, leafhoppers need to penetrate plant tissues with their mouthparts (stylet) and feed from phloem sap. To reach the phloem, leafhoppers need to pierce their stylet into the plant tissues. This process is called penetration. During penetrations, leafhoppers produce a so-called salivary sheath that helps penetrating plant tissues and which permanently remains there.