Species Distinctiveness and Variability of Acoustic Calling Signals in the Planthopper Genus Javesella (Homoptera: Delphacidae)

Abstract

Male and female calling signals of five Javesella species are described: J. discolor, J. dubia, J. forcipata, J. obscurella, and J. pellucida. The variation in calling parameters is evaluated and proved to be significantly larger between individuals than within individuals. Acoustic differentiation appeared to be more marked in males than in females. Of two species the female calling signals could not be distinguished. It is discussed that descriptions of acoustic signals cannot replace the original recordings in all possible details. Therefore it is suggested that authors, when reporting on acoustic signals of insects, make copies of the original recordings available on request.