Next-generation sequencing applied to the study of systematics and diversification of neotropical fig wasps (Hymenoptera: Agaonidae)

Abstract

The association between fig trees (Moraceae, Ficus) and their pollinating wasps (Agaonidae: Agaoninae, Kradibiinae and Tetrapusiinae) is one of the most renowned examples of plant-insect mutualisms. Due to their highly specific association, phylogenetic relationships of figs and fig wasps have been widely studied, and it has been largely hypothesized that both pollinating and non-pollinating fig wasps (NPFW) diversified concomitantly with their host plants. While several studies addressed the phylogenetic relationships among pollinator genera, studies at a more refined scale, including a thorough sampling of species within genera, are still lacking. Moreover, the absence of a well-established taxonomic background hinders the progress of studies on co-diversification between figs and fig wasps. In this project, we aim at inferring phylogenetic relationships within the Neotropical fig wasp genus Pegoscapus Cameron, 1906 using next generation sequencing methods (targeted enrichment of ultraconserved elements). The pollinator phylogenies will be compared with a recent phylogenetic analysis on the NPFW genus Idarnes Walker, 1843 in order to evaluate how both groups diversified in relation to their hosts. This study will allow us to perform a fine- scale analysis of the co-diversification of pollinating and NPFW and the evolution of host specialization, mainly answering the following questions: (1) do some clades of Idarnes and Pegoscapus tend to be more specific or generalist, (2) do closely related species tend to be associated with a same fig host or host species group/clade, (3) are pollinators more specific than NPFW and (4) did pollinating and NPFW radiate together? The proposed project will also contribute to the global phylogenomic analysis of pollinating fig wasps leaded by J-Y Rasplus and A. Cruaud. (AU)