Field collection
We collected pollinating fig wasps from one species complex (Ficus
itoana , F. umbrae and F. microdyctia ) two sub-species
(F. trichocerasa subsp. trichocerasa and F.
trichocerasa subsp. pleioclada ) and two species with wide
elevational ranges (F. wassa and F. arfakensis ). For each
species we collected near-ripe syconia (enclosed inflorescences) from
10-15 fig individuals at each elevation and placed these into breathable
rearing pots to allow for the emergence of pollinating fig wasps. A
selection of five male and five female wasps were then stored in 2ml
tubes three-quarters filled with silica gel and a small piece of cotton
wool before being transferred to -20°C for long term storage (Moe &
Weiblen 2012).