6.2. Grooming behavior

 

In most insects, grooming is a hygienic procedure aimed to keep the body and appendages clean of contaminants. In leafhoppers, the main function of grooming is manipulating dry brochosomes, placed onto the integument as a result of anointing, in order to create and maintain a regular, continuos coat. Unlike anointing, grooming can be observed in leafhoppers almost at any time. The legs of leafhoppers are provided with specialized rows and groups of strong setae that work as fine tools for spreading brochosomes.

Grooming in Cicadella viridis (L.). Watch VIDEO

 

The unusual maternal powdering behavior displayed by females from certain species of the tribe Proconiini is a further modification of the typical leafhopper grooming.

 

See grooming behaviors of Japanese leafhoppers at Keiji Morishima's Japanese Auchenorrhyncha Web Site.

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Leafhopper legs as tools

Anointing behaviors

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