Thumbnail Image

Thesis

Browse

Reset filters
Subject: Veterinary and Animal Sciences × Author: Shilpa K Satheesan × Type: Thesis ×
Reset filters

Search Results

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    ThesisItemOpen Access
    HOST SPECIES PREFERENCE OF FIG-WASPS IN SOUTH WAYANAD FOREST DIVISION
    (Kerala Veterinary and animal science university, Pookode, 42580) Shilpa K Satheesan; George Chandy
    Figs are keystone plant species, in the genus Ficus with closed inflorescence called Synconium, with hundreds of flowers. Each Fig tree is associated with specific wasp species which is co-evolved mutualism. Selected Ficus species and their respective pollinator and non-pollinator wasps were investigated from Kalpetta and Chedeleth ranges of South Wayanad Forest division for four months (January 2016 to May 2016). A total of 24 species of Ficus of which 14 and 12 species from Kalpetta and Chedeleth range were recorded respectively. The diversity was higher in the Evergreen Forests than Moist Deciduous Forest. The host affinities of fig wasps were studied by rearing wasps from fig synconia that were collected and stored. Each Ficus tree was associated with specific wasp species community. A total 31 different species of wasps and Epichrysomalinae subfamily insects were recorded from nine different Ficus species. Maximum of six species of wasps were recorded in Ficus drupacea and only two species of wasps in F. virens. The pollinator sex ratio was found to be skewed towards the females. Wasp species were differentiated using only two parameters such as body length and ovipositor length distinguished pollinator and non-pollinator. Further investigation based on specific body parts measurements could enable to identify the wasps at species level.