Vibrational communication and mating behaviour of potential invasive species Dichelops melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Vibrational signals from males and females of Dichelops melacanthus were recorded on a non-resonant substrate, i.e., a loudspeaker membrane, and on a resonant substrate, i.e., bean plants. While on the loudspeaker membrane, D. melacanthus males and females emitted only one male or one female song, respectively; however, when the insects were placed on bean leaves, three different songs were recorded for each sex. The first female and male songs appear to have calling functions, and the third male and female songs were emitted during courtship. The second female and male songs were generally emitted after the first song, but their functions in mating behaviour are not clear. The repertoire identified was similar to those of other Neotropical stink bugs, starting with songs 1 and 2 and developing into song 3, which is emitted during the mating phase. Frequency modulation was observed in the female songs recorded from the loudspeaker membrane and from the plants; spectra from the latter showed several higher harmonic peaks. The presence of species and gender-specific songs during mating confirms the important role of vibrational communication in mate location and recognition. The repertoire identified here presents an opportunity to modulate the pheromone production of D. melacanthus.