Nontarget catches of traps with chemical lures may refer to the flower-visitation, probable pollination, and feeding of bush crickets (Ensifera: Tettigoniidae)

Abstract

The diurnal bees, lepidopterans, and other pollinators are among the most studied flower-visiting insect taxa. They mostly play distinct functions in temperate grasslands and ecotones of grassland-forest mosaics (such as in forest steppes). Although orthopterans are widely distributed in these habitats, however, their flower visitation is nearly unknown, especially in the temperate zone. During the development of traps with chemical lures to catch Lepidoptera pests, large numbers of Orthoptera were caught that provide a chance for studying the flower visitation and odor and indirectly the host plant preference of seven temperate zone Tettigoniidae species. Data on the attractivity of isoamyl alcohol-based semisynthetic lures for Meconema thalassinum and efficiency of phenylacetaldehyde-based lures on Leptophyes albovittata and Phaneroptera falcata were reported for the first time. Additionally, analysis of nature photos collected from internet sources, as part of a passive citizen science also supports the revealed preference of these species. Based on photos, the studied orthopterans mainly visit Asteraceae species including the most preferred Tanacetum vulgare, Pulicaria dysenterica, Achillea millefolium, Solidago canadensis, and Centaurea scabiosa. Based on catches of volatile traps, the first data were recorded on the attractivity of phenylacetaldehyde- and isoamyl alcohol-based lures on three temperate zone Orthoptera species. Results of a passive citizen science study strengthen these results that may increase the knowledge on the host plant and habitat preference of Orthoptera species.