Ovoviviparous
Guides
Aclerdidae
Aclerdid Scales, Flat Grass Scales
Aclerdidae is a family of scale insects (superfamily Coccoidea) comprising five genera and approximately 58 species. Members are specialized herbivores primarily associated with grasses (Poaceae), where they inhabit leaf sheaths and feed on plant sap. The family exhibits highly derived morphology including leglessness, reduced antennae, and unique anal apparatus. Several species have become economically significant as pests of agricultural and wetland grasses, including the invasive roseau cane scale (Nipponaclerda biwakoensis) in North America and Aclerda takahashii on sugarcane.
Asterolecaniidae
pit scales, asterolecaniids
Asterolecaniidae is a family of scale insects commonly known as pit scales. They are characterized by inducing depressions or pits in host plant tissues, often causing shoot distortion. The family contains approximately 25 genera and 243 described species, with greatest diversity in the northern hemisphere. Many species are associated with oaks, bamboos, and ornamental plants, and some form galls.
Cloeon dipterum
Pond Olive
Cloeon dipterum is a small mayfly species with a Holarctic distribution, widespread across Europe, Asia, and North America. It is the most common mayfly in ponds of the British Isles, occurring in approximately 40% of all ponds and 70% in southern regions. The species is notable for being the only ovoviviparous mayfly in Europe: females retain eggs internally for 10–14 days after mating, and nymphs hatch immediately upon contact with water. Males possess distinctive turbinate eyes—dorsal "turban-shaped" superposition eyes that aid in locating females during mating swarms. The species has been established as a laboratory model for studying insect evolution, development, and ecotoxicology.
Compsilura concinnata
European Tachinid Fly
Compsilura concinnata is a polyphagous tachinid fly native to Europe that was introduced to North America in 1906 as a biological control agent for the spongy moth (Lymantria dispar). It is an endoparasitoid of insect larvae, developing within the host midgut and eventually killing it. The species attacks over 200 host species across Coleoptera, Lepidoptera, and Hymenoptera, but has proven ineffective against its intended target while causing significant non-target impacts on native Lepidoptera, including giant silk moths and monarch butterflies.
Excirolana
Excirolana is a genus of marine isopod crustaceans in the family Cirolanidae, comprising approximately 15 described species. Members are specialized inhabitants of exposed sandy beaches in tropical and warm temperate regions worldwide. The genus is characterized by ovoviviparous reproduction, in which embryos develop internally within paired uteri rather than in an external brood pouch. This reproductive mode is considered an adaptation to the harsh environmental conditions of intertidal sandy habitats.
Excirolana chiltoni
sand piranha
Excirolana chiltoni is a small intertidal isopod, commonly called 'sand piranha,' inhabiting sandy beaches of the Pacific Rim from Japan and Korea to Colombia. Adults reach approximately 8 mm in length and form dense aggregations exceeding 1,000 individuals. The species exhibits ovoviviparous reproduction with direct development, a 2-year lifespan, and pronounced spatial segregation during breeding.
Marava arachidis
Bone-house Earwig
Marava arachidis is a cosmopolitan earwig species in the family Spongiphoridae with probable Indo-Australian origin. It exhibits ovoviviparous reproduction, with females retaining embryos in thin egg envelopes until shortly before hatching. The species has demonstrated predatory capability on tick eggs and larvae in laboratory conditions, suggesting potential as a biological control agent. It is frequently associated with stored organic materials and fennel plants.
Nauphoeta cinerea
Cinereous Cockroach, Speckled Cockroach, Lobster Cockroach
Nauphoeta cinerea is a circumtropical cockroach species native to northeastern Africa that has achieved global distribution through human association. Commonly known as the cinereous, speckled, or lobster cockroach, this species is frequently used as a laboratory model for studying social behavior, neurobiology, and reproductive physiology. Males establish strict dominance hierarchies that determine territorial rights and mating access, with social status mediated through pheromonal communication and acoustic stridulation. The species has been documented harboring Wolbachia endosymbionts of the F clade, which may provide nutritional benefits.