Interactions of the ant Crematogaster scutellaris with the fig/fig wasp mutualism

摘要: . 1. A classical example of specialised pollination mutualisms is the relationship between fig trees and their pollinating wasps, in which each partner depends completely on other for its reproduction; however fig/fig wasp association also target a great diversity species, ranging from parasites to opportunistic foragers, among them ants. 2. The ant community sources attraction observed Mediterranean tree Ficus carica were characterised. 3. guild ants attracted by homopterans tended plant was distinguished second composed two co-dominant species (Crematogaster scutellaris Pheidole pallidula) that prey mostly abundant during certain parts cycle. 4. Foraging workers C. scutellaris search inflorescence (syconium), capturing wasps at peak emergence rate estimated reach 600 prey per day an entire tree. 5. Detailed study predatory sequences displayed under experimental conditions showed captured 100% offered, while they only 5.5% parasitoid specific pollinator. respective impacts interaction figs are discussed, as well several behavioural traits predation dominant pollinators.