Complex-life-cycle
Guides
Eriosomatini
Eriosomatini is a tribe of gall-forming aphids in the subfamily Eriosomatinae, comprising approximately 140 species across 16 genera. All members induce galls on host plants in the family Ulmaceae, primarily on Ulmus (elms) and Zelkova species. The tribe exhibits complex life cycles with alternation between primary and secondary hosts, though some species have reduced or lost host alternation. Molecular studies have demonstrated that DNA sequencing can reliably associate morphologically distinct life stages to species, addressing a major identification challenge in the group.
Erythraeoidea
Long-legged Velvet Mites
Erythraeoidea is a superfamily of mites commonly known as long-legged velvet mites, characterized by extremely elongated legs relative to body size. Members exhibit a complex life cycle involving distinct morphological and behavioral phases: post-larval stages (deutonymph and adult) are active predators, while the six-legged larval stage is parasitic on arthropod and vertebrate hosts. This superfamily belongs to the infraorder Anystina within the order Trombidiformes. The group has a fossil record extending to at least the Cretaceous period, with specimens preserved in amber documenting ancient host-parasite relationships.
Fordini
Fordini is a monophyletic tribe of gall-forming aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) characterized by complex two-year life cycles, strict host specificity, and sophisticated plant manipulation abilities. The tribe comprises two subtribes: Fordina, associated with Pistacia species and producing spherical to cauliflower-like galls; and Melaphidina, associated with Rhus species with galls positioned on leaf midribs and petioles. These aphids alternate between primary woody hosts where they induce conspicuous galls and secondary grass hosts where they feed on roots.
Phylloxera crypta
Phylloxera crypta is a gall-forming insect closely related to aphids, known to induce distinctive galls on hickory trees (Carya species). Like other phylloxerans, this species manipulates plant tissue development through chemical secretions during feeding, creating protective structures that house developing nymphs. The species exhibits a complex life cycle involving multiple generations and both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction phases.
Pleuroncodes planipes
pelagic red crab, tuna crab, squat lobster, langostilla, benthic anomuran red crab
Pleuroncodes planipes is a pelagic and benthic anomuran red crab distributed across the eastern Pacific Ocean, from California to Panama. The species exhibits a complex life cycle with both pelagic and benthic phases: larvae and small individuals occupy open waters, while larger adults become exclusively benthic. It forms exceptionally dense aggregations on seamounts, with recorded densities up to 78 crabs/m² at depths of 355–385 m. The species tolerates hypoxic conditions (0.04 ml/l oxygen) and serves as a major prey item for large pelagic predators including yellowfin and skipjack tuna.