How Do Wasps Make Figs?
WouterFigs are a fruit shaped like a flower. They are grown in warm climates in Mediterranean regions and Asia. They are commonly found in dessert courses and in jams. They are also popular for use in smoky meat dishes. Eating figs may trigger allergies in people who are allergic to wasp venom.
The fig is a complex fruit. The flower is located inside a pod attached to the fig tree. There is a tiny opening at the tip of the pouch. Some flowers are able to lay eggs while others are not. Figs are also capable of distributing pollen.
The female fig wasp is small and measures around 1.5 millimeters in diameter at full size. It has a special pouch for collecting pollen. It collects pollen from the female flowers inside the fig. It then lays its eggs inside the male fig. It eventually exits the fig through an escape tunnel.
The fig is capable of producing a special substance that breaks down the female wasp’s exoskeleton. This substance is called ficin. The fig’s ficin-derived enzyme re-uses nutrients to nourish the fig. It also breaks down foreign proteins in the fig’s exoskeleton.
The fig and wasp relationship is not a coincidence. Both wereps and figs have evolved together over 65 million years. This special relationship is beneficial for both.
Aside from the female fig wasp, there are several other insects that are a part of the fig’s pollination process. These insects include the male fig moth, male fig grubs, and female fig grubs. All of these insects have their own unique roles.
