Researchers of the BeXyl Project partner INRAE published a paper highlighting some environmental factors favoring Philaenus spumarius presence in semi-natural habitats in Corsica (France). The spittlebug Philaenus spumarius (Ps) is the primary vector of Xylella fastidiosa in Europe.
Thanks to a three-years investigation sampling Ps population on a selection of 64 plots of 500m2 each in Corsica, researchers found a positive correlation between Ps abundance and the density of Montpellier cistus (Cistus monspeliensis) in the plots. The paper also reports larger populations of Ps in cooler and moister plots. Researchers call for more studies on the ecology of Ps in Europe to support management strategies for Xylella fastidiosa.