Can You Eat Fig Wasps?
WouterFig wasps are a stinging insect that feeds on figs. Their lives are closely intertwined with the fig tree’s life cycle. Their life cycle is similar to that of a pollinating wasp, but is also very different.
There are two types of fig wasps: pollinating and non-pollinating. Non-pollinating wasps act as parasites on the fig tree and feed on its fruit. Figs also produce a chemical called ficin which breaks down the wasp’s exoskeleton into protein.
Pollinating fig wasps perform a number of functions, including pollinating the female flowers inside the fig, carrying pollen to the internal flowers, and laying eggs. The pollinating fig wasp’s life cycle is unique to each species.
The female pollinator wasp is a 1.5 millimeter in size, with short spines on the underside of its head. The female’s pollination achievements are quite impressive, particularly compared to those of a sewing needle. The female wasp deposits pollen from its original host fig into another fig, allowing the two figs to become a viable breeding pair. The pollinating fig wasp uses its small size to its advantage, as it can easily cling to the fig tree’s petals.
The ficus is a small hole on the fig’s underside where the female pollinator wasp deposits her pollen. This is one of the few ways a fig can reproduce.
The fig tree also produces a small chemical called ficin. This chemical breaks down the wasp’s exoskeleton and adds to the flavor of the ripened fruit.
