Parapause breakage as a key step for the continuous indoor rearing of Philaenus spumarius

Abstract

The development of an efficient indoor rearing protocol of Philaenus spumarius is a key step for research on the meadow spittlebug, as it could reduce researchers' dependency on the availability and collection of univoltine individuals in the field. Here, we implemented the rearing protocol previously described by inducing females' parapause breakage before mating. This new step enables the completion of the life cycle of P. spumarius (adult to adult) in 149 days, potentially providing three generations per year under laboratory conditions.