Movement Behavior and Host Location Ability of Corythucha ciliata

Insect movement behavior is highly important in entomological population ecology, behavioral ecology and conservation, and in invasion ecology. In this study, we used an exotic lace bug (Corythucha ciliata) as a model organism to address the hypothesis that an insect species invading a new area has a high host location ability and rapid mobility by which it can be successfully carried to a new habitat. To test this hypothesis, three movement parameters (speed, duration and distance) of C. ciliata were assessed using laboratory and field observations. We found that 5(th)-instar nymphs of C. ciliata could move as far as 750 cm throughout their lifespan and that they moved an average of 0.038 m/min during the first 15 minutes after release, which was significantly farther than that of other instars. Of the tested nymphs, 21.85% could locate their host trees; of adults released 20 m from hosts, 11% reached the host trees on the first day, with an average flight distance of 22.14 m and a maximum flight distance of 27 m. The results of this study partly explain the mechanism of rapid diffusion. These results are also important for predicting population spread, improving eradication surveys, and managing future introductions of C. ciliata.