Abstract: The interaction between pollinating fig wasps (Agaonidae) and their host fig trees (Ficus) is a striking example of an obligate pollination mutualism. Agaonidae resource is the key factor which hinges fig-fig wasps reproduction. To test the influences of seasonal change, length of female phase and foundress age on the wasps offspring numbers, abortion ratio and body length of wasps offspring, we performed manually-controlling experiments on two important Ficus species distributed in Xishuangbanna, Ficus semicordata and Ficus altissima. The experimental results revealed that seasonal change had no significant influence on wasps offspring numbers and abortion ratio, while it had significant impact on offspring body size. Furthermore, prominent negative influences can be found either along with the increase in age of foundress, or with the extension of female phase of figs, such as lower offspring numbers, higher abortive percentage and shorter body length of offspring.

Key words:  mutualism, pollinating fig wasps, reproductive efficiency, female phase, cluth size