Host plant manipulation by fig gall midges (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) which induce emergence projections on flower galls in the syconia of Ficus microcarpa (Moraceae)

摘要: We observed that unique projections developed from female flower galls induced by three unidentified cecidomyiid species in the syconia of Ficus microcarpa (Moraceae) on Okinawa and Amami Islands, Japan. The cecidomyiids (sp. 1, 2 3) were tentatively distinguished differences shape projections. projection sp. 1 started to develop bottom each gall before emergence, broke skin syconium, finally up 5–6 mm length within 6–8 h. During this period, pupa oriented its head towards gall. After fully elongated, pushed open with head. was easily removed at base. quickly crawled half way out through opening an adult then emerged. did not when other hymenopteran inhabitants derived plant tissues consisting a mass small square cells basal distal portions regularly arranged long middle portion. No application gibberellin's paste syconia. midge seemed manipulate fig so can pass sticky epidermis syconium. emergence 3 could be intensively observed.