Electrosensitivity in planthoppers (Insecta: Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoromorpha)

Extracellular recordings from the sensory pits, conspicuous sensory organs on the cuticle of planthopper nymphs (suborder Fulgoromorpha), were performed. No responses to sound, ultrasound, direct mechanical stimulation, temperature changes, or magnetic fields were observed. They do, however, respond to stimulation with electric fields of very low intensity. Field strengths of less than 1 kV/m were sometimes sufficient to elicit responses. These responses, together with the arrangement of these special sensory structures on the body surface of planthoppers, imply that these sensory organs perceive electric fields in the environment. Our results correspond well with recently published observations and model calculations for treehoppers (Membracidae), another Auchenorrhyncha taxon. Our results corroborate these recent findings with direct electrophysiological evidence and support the notion that both treehoppers and planthoppers are able to perceive electric fields. The ecological importance for this kind of sensory system is discussed.