Host plant, phytoplasma, and reproductive status effects an flight behavior of aster leafhopper (Homoptera : Cicadellidae)

Factors that affect aster leafhopper night were examined in laboratory and field experiments. In both the laboratory and the field, differences betwee n males and females in night between plants within or just above the canopy were documented. Host plant and phytoplasma infection had no effect on the within-canopy night behaviors, which were consistent with reproductive bio logy for the Cicadellidae. Plant species and size did affect the number of vertical nights out of the canopy. Male aster leafhoppers infected with the phytoplasma moved more frequently than uninfected males between plants, al though plant residence times for uninfected and infected males were similar .