| Title | Co-occurrence of two Eupristina species on Ficus altissima in Xishuangbanna, SW China |
| Author | Peng, Yan-Qiong |
| Publication | SYMBIOSIS |
| Year | 2008 |
| Volume | 45 |
| Issue | 1-3 |
| Corresponding Author | Yang, DR |
| Abstract | The fig-fig wasp mutualism has long been considered strictly species-specific. However, more and more cases of breakdown in the one-to-one rule are being documented. Here, we report on the co-existence of Eupristina altissima and Eupristina sp. in the figs of Ficus altissima in Xishuangbanna, SW China. Species coexisted on the same tree, even in the same fig. Most crops sampled during a three year survey had both species, but E. altissima was more frequent. Brood sizes, when figs were entered by a single foundress, were not significantly different between species. However, our study strongly suggests that E. altissima is an active pollinator, while Eupristina sp. does not actively pollinate Ficus altissima, as only very few seeds were observed in figs only entered by this species. Morphological analysis corroborated this finding: Eupristina sp. has reduced pollen pockets and there is no coxal comb, two morphological characters normally linked with active pollination. This is the second report of a non-pollinating agaonid fig wasp, and opens interesting perspectives on the evolution of cheating in fig pollinators. |
