Low host specificity and broad geographical ranges in a community of parasitic non?pollinating fig wasps (Sycoryctinae; Chalcidoidea)

Plants, phytophagous insects and their parasitoids form the most diverse assemblages of macroscopic organisms on earth. Enclosed in particular represent a tractable system for studying community assembly diversification. Communities associated with widespread plant species are especially suitable as they facilitate comparative approach. Pantropical fig-wasp communities remarkably well-replicated system, ideal these historical processes. We expect high dispersal ability non-pollinating fig wasps to result lower geographical turnover comparison pollinating wasps. The utilise number hosts (low host specificity) is key determinant overall range, intraspecific competition becoming constraining factor should diet breadth overlap among species. Finally, we conserved structure throughout range. aim test expectations, derived from population genetic studies, using multi-trophic insect Ficus hirta its 3,500 km range across continental insular Asia. collect molecular evidence one coding mitochondrial gene, non-coding nuclear gene multiple microsatellites 25 sites. Using data, establish boundaries, determine levels specificity quantify variation composition. find low two genera Functional largely fig, despite limited correspondence between ranges non-pollinator pollinator While nine pollinators hirta, tribes developing figs each contained only four Contrary predictions, stronger isolation by distance non-pollinators than pollinators. Long-lived may disperse more gradually be less reliant infrequent long-distance wind currents. Segregation suggestive competitive exclusion propose that this increased local adaptation moderate, but regular, rates dispersal. Our findings provide example lack strict codiversification diversification plant-associated communities.