Philaenus spumarius (Ps) is considered the main insect vector of the bacterium Xylella fastidiosa (Xf) in Europe. As such, it is a key actor of the Xf pathosystem on which surveillance and management strategies could be implemented. Although research effort has increased in the past years, the ecological factors shaping Ps abundance and distribution across landscapes are still poorly known in most regions of Europe. We selected 64 plots of 500m2 in Corsican semi-natural habitats in which we sampled nymphs and adults of Ps during three years. While local or surrounding vegetation structure (low or high scrubland) had little effect on Ps abundance, we highlighted a positive relationship between Ps abundance and the density of Cistus monspeliensis in the plots. We also found larger populations of Ps in cooler and moister plots. The pattern of host association highlighted here is unique, which calls for more studies on the ecology of Ps in Europe, to help designing surveillance and management strategy for Xf.
Studies investigating X. fastidiosa (Xf) acquisition by cicadas are scarce. We collected 169 cicadas in infected areas throughout Corsica (France), belonging to the four species known from the island (Cicada orni; Cicadetta fangoana; Tibicina corsica corsica and Tibicina nigronervosa). All specimens were tested for the presence of Xf using a two‐step PCR approach followed by Illumina sequencing. All specimens tested negative. So far, there is no indication that European cicadas are playing a significant role in the spread of Xf.
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