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).