How Do Wasps Turn Into Figs?
WouterFigs and wasps have a complex relationship. The relationship is believed to have started at least 34 million years ago. The oldest fig wasp fossils date to that time. They closely resemble those of the species still alive today.
The fig wasp is the only pollinator of figs. They gather pollen from figs and carry it to the flowers inside the fig. The pollen fertilizes the fig’s flowers. The flowers then produce individual fruits.
The pollination process is complex. Some flowers do not allow a wasp to lay an egg in their ovary. The pollinator must travel to another fig to lay an egg.
A female fig wasp enters the fig through a small opening. Once inside, she burrows into the fig and loses her wings. The wasp then lays eggs in the fig’s flowers. The wasp then dies. The fig then produces an enzyme, called ficain, which breaks down the wasp’s exoskeleton.
The fig and wasp relationship is said to be mutually beneficial. The wasp carries pollen to the fig’s flowers, and the fig produces an enzyme that digests the wasp. The two species of fig wasps are found in North America. They are Blastophaga psenes and Blastophaga nota.
The male fig wasp is born without wings. He must develop a wing to mate with a female. He is also born with poor eyesight. He spends his life inside a single fig. After mating, he cuts a hole in the fig for the female to exit.
