SEASONAL AND DIURNAL FLIGHT ACTIVITY OF CIRCULIFER HAEMATOCEPS (HOM.,CICADELLIDAE), AN IMPORTANT LEAFHOPPER VECTOR IN THE MEDITERRANEAN AREA AND THE NEAR-EAST

Despite of the economic importance of Circulifer haematoceps (Mulsant et Rey) (Hom., Cicadellidae) transmitting at least three serious plant pathogens, little is known about the seasonal flight and diurnal acti vity of this leafhopper. Circulifer haematoceps flight activity was mo nitored by yellow sticky traps in first and second planting of sesame. In addition, the results of the trap captures were compared with the direct D-VAC sampling in one sesame field. The diurnal activity was mo nitored over three successive days, 28-30 August, and again on 15 Sept ember by yellow sticky traps that were changed every two hours for mos t of the day and replaced every half hour between 05.30 h and 07.30 h and 17.30 h and 19.30 h. The yellow-trap sampling revealed consistent seasonal activity patterns associated with both the first and second c rop, characterized by a secondary maximum within the first 30 days and an absolute maximum between day 52 and 73 after sowing. Males made up >85% of the sticky-trap catches while females were better represented in the D-VAC collections (74%). The diel activity was greatest betwee n 17.30 h and 19.30 h and most concentrated within a 30 min period jus t before sunset. Very few individuals were captured during hours of hi gh light intensity and during the night. During the period of greatest activity only males were trapped.