Relationship between a mutualist and a parasite of the laurel fig, Ficus microcarpa L.

Abstract

Since 1986, the sterile populations of the laurel fig, Ficus microcarpa L., in Tunisia have become fertile with the arrival of the species-specific pollinating wasp Parapristina verticillata. However, the invasion in 1992 by one of several species-specific parasitic wasps, Odontofroggatia galili, has changed the parameters of this mutualistic relationship. A fig sample collected at Sfax, Tunisia, was analysed, and randomization of the results showed a highly significant negative correlation between the numbers of wasps and parasites. Moreover, the presence of parasites decreases the fecundity of the figs. The consequences of the competition between O. galili and P. verticillata on this fig – fig pollinator mutualism are discussed.