Efficiency of different trap types for the monitoring of Philaenus spumarius

The spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (Cicadomorpha: Aphrophoridae) is the principal vector of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe. Surveys on the occurrence and abundance of this and other spittlebug species are necessary for the identification of endangered crops and natural refugia, risk assessment, the development of prevention strategies, or decision support regarding control measures. Common monitoring techniques for insects comprise active sampling by sweep-netting as well as passive capturing using sticky-traps or pan-traps. The objective of this experiment was to compare the efficiency of the three sampling methods in monitoring of P. spumarius in two different habitats with a high density of P. spumarius, a vineyard and an extensively managed pasture. The experiment was carried out during July and August 2019. Fifteen trapping stations were randomly distributed in the vineyard while 10 stations were positioned along a transect on the pasture. Each trapping station consisted of a pan-trap, a sticky-trap and an area of 5 m diameter around the traps that was sampled by five sweeps of a sweep-net. Pan-traps were exposed for three, and sticky-traps for seven days. Sweeping was carried out once a week during the replacement of the traps. 
Captures of P. spumarius could be achieved with all collecting methods. However, the numbers collected by sweep net punctually once a week were significantly higher than those captured by the two continuously exposed trap types. Numbers of captured spittlebugs per week did not differ significantly between sticky-traps and pan-traps. Sweep-netting proved to be the most efficient collection method, both in terms of capture numbers and time spent. If continuous sampling is required, pan-traps and sticky-traps are equally efficient but stick-traps are by far easier to handle. If the captured insects are intended to be used for subsequent laboratory tests, sweep-netting or pan-trapping are the methods of choice.