New pollinating wasp of Ficus religiosa recorded in the Dominican Republic

Santo Domingo.- Researcher Candy Ramírez of the Rafael M. Moscoso Botanical and Zoological Research Institute at the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo has identified Platyscapa quadraticeps, a wasp from the Agaonidae family, in the Dominican Republic. This marks the first recorded introduction of this species, which is the exclusive pollinator of Ficus religiosa, commonly known as the sacred fig.

The presence of this wasp indicates that Ficus religiosa is now reproducing by seed rather than solely through human planting. Since these trees can grow on native species and historic buildings, particularly in the Colonial Zone, their uncontrolled spread poses a potential risk to local ecosystems and heritage sites. This discovery, published in the January 2025 issue of Novitates Caribaea, highlights the ecological impact of the species’ introduction.

The same issue of Novitates Caribaea features contributions from researchers across Cuba, the U.S., Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Other notable findings include the description of a new crustacean species in the Gulf of Mexico and the first report of the black rat (Rattus rattus) preying on the mollusk Caracolus sagemon in Cuba.