How Big Are Fig Wasps?
WouterFigs are a sweet, edible fruit, usually sold as desserts or jams. They are a staple of tropical rainforests, and their survival is dependent on the fig wasp. There are two species of fig wasps in North America.
The fig wasp is a member of the order Hymenoptera, which is also known as the wasps. It is part of the superfamily Chalcidoidea. It is the only insect that pollinates the fig, and is also the only insect that fertilizes the fig inner garden.
The wasps and figs have co-evolved over tens of millions of years. Figs hold tiny white blooms inside their pouches. These blooms are pollinated by fig wasps. In order to find flowering figs, the wasps must use their sense of smell.
When a fig wasp mate, it creates a tunnel through the wall of the fig. This allows the female wasp to escape. When the wasp is mature, it develops into a full-sized wasp. The wasp then mates with other wasps that were born inside the same fig. The wasp lays eggs inside the fig. The eggs hatch several days later.
The male wasp has a worm-like body and short antennae. It also has no wings. The wasp spends its entire life inside the fig. The wasp dies after its adult life.
Fig wasps are considered a superfamily of chalcid wasps, which is made up of thousands of parasitic and pollinating wasp species. Most wasps passively spread pollen as they move between trees. However, some wasps are highly developed, and actively pollinate the figs before laying their eggs.
