CONFIRMATION OF HOST-PLANT OF CAVE-DWELLING CIXIID PLANTHOPPERS (HEMIPTERA, CIXIIDAE) BY HISTOLOGICAL SECTIONING OF FIG ROOTS

The food sources of cave-dwelling insects are difficult to document, a nd those of root-feeding cixiid nymphs (Hemiptera: Cixiidae) particula rly so because of their tendency to jump from their substrates upon th e slightest disturbance. By histologically staining the stylet sheath left by Oliarus sp. feeding on Ficus roots, we establish the host asso ciation beyond doubt. Histological sections also demonstrate that Olia rus feeds in the cells of the endoderm and within the xylem vessels. T he technique we describe can be used to determine host relationships f or cave-dwelling Cixiidae in general, providing an additional angle fo r the study of the evolutionary history of cave adaptation in this gro up.