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The
flowers of the fig tree are hidden on the inside of the fig, lining
a central cavity. The female fig wasp must get inside the fig to
perform her role in the cycle. The only way into the fig cavity is
through a tiny opening at the tip of the fig, called the ostiole.
The female wasp has to squeeze and labour her way through this
constrictive opening. The process of gaining access to the fig
cavity is so difficult that her wings and antennae usually break off.
Photographs © Simon van
Noort |
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