Part 4/5:
Fulfilling their biological role is but one part of the male wasp's life. After mating, the males undertake a heroic, if tragic, act of chivalry. They burrow their way out of the fig, sacrificing themselves to oncoming ants that threaten the fig and the females residing within. This selfless act serves a dual purpose: it distracts the ants while paving a safe escape route for their sisters.
The young female wasps, once they hatch, are laden with pollen and face a race against time. With only 48 hours to find another fig tree in just the right stage of maturity, they must repeat the cycle that began with their mother. It’s a race for survival that underscores the fragility and magnificence of this relationship.