Taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics, and evolution of host specialization in two genera of Neotropical fig wasps (Pegoscapus Cameron, 1906 and Idarnes Walker, 1843; Hymenoptera, Agaonidae).

Abstract

Host plant selection by phytophagous insects is driven by multiple factors, and even generalist species show preference hierarchies due to the host quality as a resource. The Neotropical Agaonidae wasps represent an interesting model for studying the evolution of host specialization, due to the high specificity of its association with Ficus (Moraceae) and their diversified life histories and degrees of host specialization. Such wasps oviposit in Ficus inflorescences. Some of them are pollinators (Agaoninae) and establish a mutualistic relationship with fig trees, whilst other wasps (Sycophaginae) do not pollinate and are gallers or kleptoparasites. Since these groups show different life histories, we expect that they will present different patterns of diversification in relation with their hosts. Thus, pollinators, gallers, and kleptoparasites should show different degrees of host specialization. Fig wasp taxonomy was poorly studied and a small proportion of the Neotropical fauna is described. Moreover, few phylogenetic hypotheses in specific level are available, which hampers comparative analyses concerning these groups. In the present study we intend to analyze the evolution of host specificity in two genera of Neotropical Agaonidae: the pollinators Pegoscapus Cameron, 1906, and the non-pollinators Idarnes Walker, 1843. To do so, we intend to analyze these genera morphologically, review their taxonomy, and establish phylogenetic hypotheses for these groups in a multilocus approach. Then, we will be able to reconstruct evolutionary history characters of host specificity in both genera, which will allow us to understand how these characters diversified within these groups of insects.