CHCs-mediated functional convergence and seasonal divergence in sympatric fig wasp mating aggregations

Interspecific mating conflicts emerge when sympatric species mature simultaneously, requiring mechanisms for mate recognition and competition reduction. This study examines how cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), lipid-based mate attraction cues, resolve these challenges in five Ficus semicordata-associated fig wasp species. Species-specific CHC profiles with sexual dimorphism, combined with male mate choice, prevent crossbreeding while ensuring reproductive isolation. Functional groups sharing resource strategies exhibit convergent CHC patterns, yet seasonal changes and interspecific interactions drive phenotypic plasticity. Trophic-level CHC convergence reflects climate adaptation, revealing functional redundancy. Sex-specific adaptations arise: males optimize mate-search efficiency, whereas females prioritize offspring survival, mirroring their reproductive roles. This dual chemical system balances niche partitioning (via signature compounds) and environmental adaptability (via shared functional traits), illustrating how chemical traits mediate ecological adaptation and speciation in coexisting insect communities under spatiotemporal pressures.