Diversity and evolution of host-species relationship of wasps associated with neotropical fig trees

Abstract

The selection of host plants by insects is determined by several factor and mechanisms. In this context, specialization can be selected when individuals are able to use a given host more efficiently. The association fig wasps (Agaonidae, Hymenoptera) and fig trees (Ficus, Moraceae) is one of the most specialized insect-plant interactions. These wasps use fig inflorescences to lay their eggs, and pollinate fig flowers during this process. Recent advance on taxonomy of neotropical fig wasp was achieved by the taxonomic and systematic revision of Anidarnes and Idarnes genera, conducted at a PhD thesis supported by FAPESP. However, this study does not exhausted questions about diversity of neotropical fig wasps. Thus, themes related with community structure of fig wasps are still open to investigation. This project will improve the knowledge of wasp-neotropical fig wasps, by proposing the following objectives: (1) assess comparatively the diversity of wasps associated with neotropical fig trees on both Americana e Pharmacosycea sections. (2) Assess community regionalization on widespread host species. (3) Assess the evolution of host-species relationship on Pegoscapus (pollinator) and Idarnes (nonpollinator), using a phylogenetic approach. Wasp morphospecies will be defined by morphological and molecular analyses. Objectives 1 and 2 will evince the specificity level of each wasp group and its geographical coverage. Objective 3 will allow a more detailed analysis of wasp-host relationships, such as the phylogenetic distribution and evolution of specificity level in relation to host fig trees (AU)