No abstract

No abstract

No abstract

Fig wasps (Chalcidoidea; Agaonidae) are intimately associated with the 750 or so species of fig trees (Ficus, Moraceae). Each tree species is usually pollinated by a single species of wasp belonging to the subfamily Agaoninae, while other wasps of the family are parasitoids or seed predators. Previous experiments have shown that the wasps are attracted to the trees by volatiles emanating from the figs. Using fig-bearing trees and arrays of sticky traps baited with figs, we investigated the specificity of wasp attraction and its timing. The pollinators of two closely relatedFicus species were specifically attracted to figs of their host species and only at the time when figs were ready to be pollinated. Some nonpollinating fig wasps appear to respond to the same volatile cues.

Fig wasps (Chalcidoidea, Agaonidae, Agaoninae) are the exclusive pollinators of fig trees (Ficus spp., Moraceae). Fig development on the African fig tree, F. burtt‐davyi, is normally synchronised on individual trees, but not between trees. Consequently the females of each generation of the pollinating species (Elisabethiella baijnathi) have to disperse to other trees to find ‘receptive’ figs which are suitable for oviposition. This paper examines this aspect of fig ‐ fig wasp biology. The flight speed of insects is closely linked to their size, and directional flight is difficult for small insects, such as fig wasps, in all but the lightest of winds. We investigated the movements of fig wasps between trees using sticky traps placed around fig trees or near cotton bags containing figs. Away from the trees, the densities of flying wasps at different heights was also determined. When the wasps disperse from their natal figs they take off near‐vertically. They are unable to exert directional control once they enter the air column and are subsequently blown downwind. Near receptive host trees the wasps appear to lose height and then fly upwind at speeds of around 25 cm/sec.