Biology and natural enemies of the leafhopper Balclutha incisa (Matsumura) (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae) in south-western Australia

Abstract

Balclutha incisa is a widely distributed leafhopper common on grasses. In Perth, Western Australia, crab grass (Digitaria sanguinalis) and veldt grass (Ehrharta longiflora) were identified as host plants. Mating and subsequent oviposition occurred in late summer to early winter (August) on the panicles and stems of crab grass. We describe the biology and phenology of B. incisa within a restricted habitat over a 2-year period and we comment on oviposition sites, eggs and emergence of B. incisa. We describe the behaviour of two main predators, the Pacific damsel bug, Nabis kinbergii Reuter and muscid fly belonging to the genus Coenosia Meigen, particularly in regard to their response to visual and auditory signals produced by the leafhoppers.