Jumping mechanisms in flatid planthoppers (Hemiptera, Flatidae)

Abstract

The jumping performance of three species of hemipterans from Australia and Europe belonging to the family Flatidae was analysed from images captured at a rate of 5000 s −1. The shape of a flatid was dominated by large triangular or wedge-shaped front wings, which, when folded, covered and extended above and behind the body to give a laterally compressed and possibly streamlined appearance. The body lengths of the three species of adults ranged from 7 to 9 mm and their mass from 8 to 19 mg. The propulsive hind legs were 30% longer than the front legs but only 36-54% of the body length. Jumps with the fastest take-off velocities of 2.8-3.2 m s −1 had acceleration times of 1.4-1.8 ms. During such jumps, adults experienced an acceleration of 174-200 g. These jumps required an energy expenditure of 76-225 μJ, a power output of 13-60 mW and exerted a force of 9-37 mN. The required power output per mass of jumping muscle in adults ranged from 24,000 to 27,000 W kg −1 muscle, 100 times greater than the maximum active contractile limit of normal muscle. The free-living nymphs were also proficient jumpers, reaching take-off velocities of 2.2 m s −1. To achieve such a jumping performance requires a power amplification mechanism. The energy store for such a mechanism was identified as the internal skeleton linking a hind coxa to the articulation of a hind wing. These pleural arches fluoresced bright blue when illuminated with UV light, indicating the presence of the elastic protein resilin. The energy generated by the prolonged contractions of the trochanteral depressor muscles was stored in distortions of these structures, and the rapid elastic recoil of these muscles powered the synchronous propulsive movements of the hind legs.

Putting a new spin on insect jumping performance using 3D modeling and computer simulations of spotted lanternfly nymphs

“…Furthermore, because these insects often land using the same bellyflop method observed for frogs landing on sticks ( Bijma et al, 2016 ), extending their legs to facilitate this landing method also could dissipate energy on impact to help stabilize landings. Furthermore, the mid-air posture during jumping differs from that observed for falling arthropods ( Kane et al, 2021 ; Ribak et al, 2013 ; Yanoviak et al, 2015 ) in that spotted lanternflies, like planthoppers, leafhoppers, treehoppers, fleas and locusts ( Burrows, 2009 , 2011 , 2013 , 2014a , b ; Burrows and Dorosenko, 2017 ; Burrows and Sutton, 2008 ; Burrows et al, 2007 ), cross their hindlegs in the leg-extended pose. Because the crossed hindlegs function as a single unit on impact, this configuration also might serve as bracing to provide protection against buckling on impact ( Burrows and Sutton, 2008 ; Parle et al, 2015 ).…”

Wax “tails” enable planthopper nymphs to self-right midair and land on their feet

“…In contrast, the jumping capabilities of planthopper nymphs have received relatively less attention. Some Issid nymphs, for instance, match the jump speeds of their adult counterparts ( > 2 m/s) [42], and specific species possess functional gears for synchronizing leg movements during jumps [47]. The persistence of jump proficiency and the evolution of specialized jumping structures in juvenile stages underscore the importance of jump performance for planthopper nymphs.…”

“…Planthoppers distinguish themselves among insect taxa that produce wax structures with their exceptional jumping abilities. Over the past two decades, researchers have extensively studied planthoppers for their jump performance, power amplification mechanisms, and energy storage strategies, primarily focusing on winged adults across families such as Issidae, Dicytyopharidae, Flatidae, Derbidae, and Fulgoridae [39, 40, 41, 21, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46]. In contrast, the jumping capabilities of planthopper nymphs have received relatively less attention.…”

Putting a new spin on insect jumping performance using 3D modeling and computer simulations of spotted lanternfly nymphs

“…(Movie 1) No other typical changes in posture were observed during the midair phase of jumping. for a variety of planthopper species studied previously (Burrows, 2009;Burrows, 2014a;Burrows, 2014b;Burrows et al, 2019)).…”