Parthenogenesis
Guides
Hexacola
Hexacola is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Figitidae, subfamily Eucoilinae. These wasps are known primarily as parasitoids of dipteran hosts, particularly shore flies (Ephydridae) and eye gnats (Chloropidae). The genus includes species with both sexual and parthenogenetic reproduction, and some have been studied for potential biological control applications.
Holopedium
water flea
Holopedium is the sole genus in the family Holopediidae, comprising approximately seven described species of planktonic cladocerans commonly known as water fleas. These crustaceans are distinguished by a gelatinous capsule surrounding the body, which serves as an inducible defense against predation. Species within this genus exhibit notable phenotypic plasticity in body size, capsule dimensions, and reproductive investment in response to predation pressure and food availability. The genus has been studied extensively for its population dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and responses to environmental stressors in freshwater lake systems.
Hoplocampa
fruit sawflies, apple sawflies, plum sawflies
Hoplocampa is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae, comprising approximately 20 described species distributed primarily across the West Palaearctic. The genus includes several economically significant pests of fruit trees, notably Hoplocampa testudinea (European apple sawfly) and H. flava (plum sawfly). Females oviposit into flowers, and larvae develop within developing fruitlets, causing characteristic damage. Many species reproduce parthenogenetically.
Hubbardiidae
hubbardiid shorttailed whipscorpion, hubbardiid short-tailed whipscorpion
Hubbardiidae is the larger of the two extant families in the arachnid order Schizomida, comprising approximately 356 species in 69 genera. Members are superficially spider-like but distinguished by a short, segmented flagellum (tail-like structure) and divided into two subfamilies: Hubbardiinae and Megaschizominae. The family exhibits worldwide distribution with notable diversity in tropical and subtropical regions, including significant cave-adapted and subterranean faunas.
Hyadaphis foeniculi
Fennel Aphid
Hyadaphis foeniculi is a cosmopolitan aphid species and major pest of fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), native to Mediterranean regions and introduced to Brazil and other areas. Laboratory studies demonstrate strict thermal requirements: nymph development occurs only between 15-30°C, with 3°C and 33°C lethal. The species exhibits four nymphal instars with temperature-dependent development rates, completing the nymphal stage in 5 days at 30°C to 19 days at 15°C. Winged adults reproduce parthenogenetically, forming colonies inside fennel flowers during hot periods. The aphid vectors at least 12 plant viruses and produces honeydew that facilitates sooty mold growth, compounding crop damage.
Iris oratoria
Mediterranean mantis, iris mantis
Iris oratoria, commonly called the Mediterranean mantis, is a medium-sized praying mantis species native to Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia. The species has been introduced to the southwestern United States, where it was first recorded in southern California in the 1930s and continues to expand its range. Adults reach approximately 6.5 cm in length and are distinguished by violet-brown eyespots on the hindwings that are displayed during threat responses. The species exhibits facultative parthenogenesis and delayed emergence from oothecae as adaptations that may contribute to its invasive success.
Ischnura hastata
Citrine Forktail
Ischnura hastata, the Citrine Forktail, is a small damselfly with remarkable reproductive diversity across its range. Native populations in North America exhibit typical sexual reproduction, while populations in the Azores archipelago represent the only known example of parthenogenesis in the order Odonata. A population in the Galápagos Islands has evolved monandry (single mating per female), driven by extremely short adult lifespans of 1–3 days. The species occupies diverse wetland habitats from temperate North America to oceanic islands.
Leptocybe
blue gum chalcid wasp, eucalyptus gall wasp
Leptocybe is a monotypic genus of gall wasps in the family Eulophidae, containing the single species L. invasa. Native to Queensland, Australia, this genus has become globally significant as an invasive pest of Eucalyptus plantations. The wasp induces spherical galls on leaf buds and young tissues of multiple Eucalyptus species, causing substantial economic damage to forestry operations worldwide. The genus is characterized by extremely small body size, thelytokous parthenogenetic reproduction, and rapid population expansion in introduced ranges.
Leptocybe invasa
blue gum chalcid wasp, eucalyptus gall wasp, Eucalyptus Stem Gall Wasp
Leptocybe invasa is a gall-forming chalcid wasp native to Queensland, Australia, and the sole species in the monotypic genus Leptocybe. It is a globally significant invasive pest of Eucalyptus plantations, having spread to Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and the Pacific region. The wasp induces spherical galls on leaf buds, midribs, and petioles, impairing tree growth and productivity. Populations reproduce primarily through thelytokous parthenogenesis, with males being rare, enabling rapid population establishment in new regions.
Leptodora
Invisible Water Flea
Leptodora is a genus of large, nearly transparent predatory cladocerans containing two species: L. kindtii, widespread in temperate lakes across the Northern Hemisphere, and L. richardii, known only from eastern Russia. Adults are among the largest planktonic cladocerans, reaching up to 21 mm in length, with approximately 98% transparency as a defense against fish predation. The genus is taxonomically isolated as the sole member of its family Leptodoridae and suborder Haplopoda.
Lipaphis
Crucifer Aphids
Lipaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, commonly known as crucifer aphids. Species in this genus are specialized feeders on plants in the family Brassicaceae, with some species showing broader host ranges within dicotyledons. The genus includes economically significant pests such as Lipaphis erysimi (mustard aphid) and Lipaphis pseudobrassicae, which cause substantial yield losses in rapeseed, mustard, kale, and other cruciferous crops across multiple continents.
Lipaphis pseudobrassicae
Turnip Aphid
Lipaphis pseudobrassicae, commonly known as the turnip aphid, is a Brassicaceae-specialist aphid and significant agricultural pest. It exhibits high biotic potential with rapid population growth rates on host plants. The species shows better adaptation to high temperatures than some congeners, suggesting increasing relevance in warmer growing seasons and regions. It is a target for integrated pest management strategies and biological control programs.
Liposcelididae
booklice, barklice
Liposcelididae is a family of small, flattened psocids commonly known as booklice or barklice, containing approximately 200 species across nine genera. Members are frequently wingless, with fused mesothorax and metathorax in wingless forms. The family represents the free-living sister group to true lice (Phthiraptera), with fossil evidence dating divergence to at least 100 million years ago. Several species, particularly in the genus Liposcelis, are significant pests of stored grain and food products worldwide.
Liposcelis
Domestic Booklice, Booklice, Psocids
Liposcelis is a genus of approximately 126 species of minute insects commonly known as booklice or psocids. Many species are strongly associated with human habitation and are significant pests of stored products worldwide. They are particularly problematic in grain stores, museums, libraries, and food processing facilities where damp conditions prevail. The genus has a nearly cosmopolitan distribution, with species found across all continents. Liposcelis species are closely related to lice (order Phthiraptera) and share morphological similarities with them.
Liposcelis bostrychophila
House Psocid, booklouse
Liposcelis bostrychophila is a minute, wingless booklouse species with near-global distribution, primarily associated with stored products and grain facilities. Most populations reproduce exclusively through parthenogenesis, with females producing approximately 200 eggs over their lifetime. The species has emerged as a significant pest of stored cereals due to its high reproductive rate and documented resistance to chemical control measures. Sexual reproduction was first documented in 2002 in Hawaii, and a second sexually reproducing strain was later identified in Arizona.
Liposcelis fusciceps
Liposcelis fusciceps is a species of booklice in the family Liposcelididae, described by Badonnel in 1968. Species in this genus are among the smallest insects, typically measuring about 1 mm in length. They are commonly associated with stored products and human dwellings. The genus Liposcelis is widespread and includes numerous species that are significant pantry pests.
Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus
Rice Water Weevil
Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus, the rice water weevil, is a major agricultural pest of rice and the most destructive invertebrate pest of California rice. Native to the southeastern United States, it has spread invasively to Asia since 1976 and Europe since 2004, with populations establishing in California for over 50 years. The species exhibits a unique reproductive strategy: most populations reproduce sexually, but a small percentage in the native range reproduces by triploid parthenogenesis, facilitating rapid range expansion. Adults feed on rice leaves and sheaths, while aquatic larvae feed on roots, causing yield losses up to 25-30% in severe infestations.
Liturgusa maya
Mayan Lichen Mantis
Liturgusa maya is a Neotropical bark mantis species first described in 1894. It inhabits tree trunks and branches in tropical forests, exhibiting exceptional speed and flattened body morphology adapted for crypsis among bark, moss, and lichen. The species has demonstrated notable geographic expansion through human-mediated introduction, with established non-native populations in Florida (USA) and the Galápagos Islands. In its native range, it has been documented as a frequent inhabitant of cacao agroecosystems in Peru. The species is parthenogenetic in at least some introduced populations.
Lonchoptera bifurcata
Small Grass Fly, spear-winged fly, pointed-winged fly
Lonchoptera bifurcata is a small dipteran in the family Lonchopteridae, commonly known as the Small Grass Fly or spear-winged fly. It has a Holarctic distribution across Europe, Asia, and North America. The species exhibits parthenogenesis in most of its range, with males rarely observed. Adults inhabit damp environments while larvae develop in decaying organic matter.
Lonchopteridae
spear-winged flies
Lonchopteridae is a small family of Diptera commonly known as spear-winged flies, characterized by distinctive lanceolate wings with pointed tips. The family contains approximately 50 species worldwide, primarily in the genus Lonchoptera. Species are found in diverse habitats including upland blanket bogs, mineral soils, peatlands, and lowland bogs. Some species exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction, with males rare or absent across most of the range. The family has been documented in the Palearctic, Nearctic, and other regions.
Longistigma
giant bark aphid
Longistigma is a genus of giant aphids in the family Aphididae, containing at least three described species. These are the largest aphids in North America, with Longistigma caryae (giant bark aphid) being particularly notable for its size. The genus was established by Wilson in 1909 based on the extremely long, slender stigma that extends around the end of the wing. Members of this genus feed on bark and are associated with trees including oak, hickory, walnut, and beech.
Lysiphlebus
Lysiphlebus is a genus of small parasitoid wasps in the family Braconidae, subfamily Aphidiinae. Species in this genus are endoparasitoids of aphids, with females laying eggs inside aphid hosts where larvae develop and eventually emerge from mummified aphid remains. The genus exhibits remarkable reproductive diversity, including both sexual and asexual lineages, with some species capable of facultative sex. Several species, particularly L. testaceipes, are important biological control agents used in integrated pest management programs worldwide.
Macrosiphini
Macrosiphini is a large tribe of aphids within the subfamily Aphidinae, comprising over 200 genera and numerous species distributed worldwide. Members exhibit diverse life cycles, including both monoecious species that remain on herbaceous plants year-round and heteroecious species that alternate between woody primary hosts and herbaceous secondary hosts. The tribe includes many economically significant agricultural pests, such as Myzus persicae (green peach aphid) and Macrosiphum species. Host plant specificity varies considerably, with some species restricted to single host species and others feeding across multiple plant families.
Macrosiphoniella sanborni
Chrysanthemum Aphid, Brown Chrysanthemum Aphid
Macrosiphoniella sanborni, the chrysanthemum aphid, is a phloem-feeding aphid in the family Aphididae. It is an oligophagous pest specialized on Chrysanthemum species and a major economic threat to chrysanthemum cultivation. The species exhibits wing dimorphism, with alate (winged) and apterous (wingless) morphs showing distinct chemosensory gene expression profiles. It vectors chrysanthemum viruses including vein mottle virus and virus B.
Macrosiphum euphorbiae
potato aphid
Macrosiphum euphorbiae, commonly known as the potato aphid, is a polyphagous sap-sucking insect in the family Aphididae. It is a globally significant agricultural pest, particularly of potato (Solanum tuberosum), tomato, lettuce, and numerous other crops across more than 20 plant families. The species exhibits complex life cycle strategies including host alternation between primary (Rosa spp.) and secondary hosts, cyclical parthenogenesis in North America, and obligate asexual reproduction in UK populations. It vectors multiple plant viruses including potato leaf roll virus, potato virus Y, and tomato yellow top virus. The aphid demonstrates notable phenotypic plasticity with green and pink color morphs, and possesses distinctive antipredator behaviors including dropping from host plants followed by tonic immobility.
Macrosiphum rosae
Rose Aphid
Macrosiphum rosae, the rose aphid, is a cosmopolitan pest of cultivated roses. Wingless adults are spindle-shaped, 1.7–3.6 mm long, and variable in color from green to pink to reddish-brown. The species is distinguished from similar aphids by its long, tapered, black siphunculi. It exhibits complex life cycle strategies including both holocyclic (sexual) and anholocyclic (asexual) populations depending on climate. In temperate regions, it alternates between rose primary hosts and secondary hosts such as teasel and valerian; in milder climates like South Australia and Iran, populations remain anholocyclic on roses year-round. The species is a significant horticultural pest causing aesthetic damage through flower and foliage distortion, honeydew production, and sooty mold development.
Megalothorax incertus
Megalothorax incertus is a minute springtail in the family Neelidae, notable as the first species from the order Neelipleona to have its complete mitochondrial genome sequenced. The species reproduces parthenogenetically, with Wolbachia infection implicated in this reproductive mode. It has a broad global distribution spanning Europe, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, East Africa, and Australia. The mitochondrial genome is 14,994 bp with 37 canonical genes and 64.0% A+T content.
Megaphasma denticrus
Giant Walkingstick
Megaphasma denticrus, the giant walkingstick, is the longest insect species native to North America, with females reaching over 150 mm (6+ inches) in body length. This phasmid inhabits wooded areas across the south-central United States and parts of Mexico, where it feeds nocturnally on foliage of trees and shrubs. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females substantially larger than males, and possesses distinctive rows of teeth on the underside of the middle femora that aid in identification. Both sexual and asexual reproduction have been documented, though the resulting ploidy of parthenogenetic offspring remains poorly understood.
Melanaphis
sugarcane aphid
Melanaphis is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae, first described by van der Goot in 1917. The genus includes species that are significant agricultural pests, particularly of sorghum and sugarcane. Melanaphis sacchari (sugarcane aphid) has become one of the most damaging insect pests of grain and forage sorghum in the United States since its first recorded occurrence on sorghum in Texas in 2013. Members of this genus are characterized by their parthenogenetic reproduction, rapid population growth, and production of honeydew.
Melanaphis sacchari
Sugarcane Aphid, Sugarcane Aphid Complex
Melanaphis sacchari, commonly known as the sugarcane aphid, is a phloem-feeding aphid native to the Old World that has become a major agricultural pest of sorghum and sugarcane. First recorded feeding on sorghum in Texas in 2013, it rapidly spread across the southern United States, causing significant yield losses. The species reproduces primarily through parthenogenesis, with all individuals being female and giving birth to live young. Populations can double every 4 to 8 days under favorable conditions, making monitoring and timely intervention critical for management.
Melanocallis caryaefoliae
Black Pecan Aphid
Melanocallis caryaefoliae, commonly known as the black pecan aphid, is a specialized pest of pecan trees (Carya illinoinensis). Among aphid species attacking pecans, it produces the most severe foliar symptoms and achieves the highest mean density on susceptible cultivars. While feeding, it injects a toxin that causes bright yellow lesions between leaf veins, which subsequently turn brown and die. Premature defoliation from heavy infestations reduces nut fill and can diminish the following year's production. Unlike yellow pecan aphids, M. caryaefoliae is considered more destructive even at low densities, with economic thresholds as low as three aphids per compound leaf.
Melaphis rhois
Staghorn sumac aphid, Sumac gall aphid
Melaphis rhois is a woolly aphid that induces distinctive galls on sumac leaves (Rhus typhina and R. glabra). It was first described by Asa Fitch in 1866 and has a complex life cycle involving alternation between sumac and moss hosts. The species is part of a cryptic species complex; molecular and morphometric analyses have revealed at least three sympatric species in North America previously grouped under this name. It exhibits exceptionally low genetic diversity and pronounced population structure due to restricted gene flow among isolated galls.
Miastor
Miastor is a genus of gall midges and wood midges in the family Cecidomyiidae, comprising approximately seven described species. The genus is notable for exhibiting paedogenesis, a rare reproductive strategy in which larvae reproduce parthenogenetically without metamorphosing into adults. Multiple asexual generations can occur before adults eventually develop. Larvae have been recorded in diverse habitats including fungal fruiting bodies, dung, tree bark, and decaying plant matter.
Microctonus
Microctonus is a genus of braconid parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Euphorinae. Species are endoparasitoids of adult beetles, primarily targeting weevils (Curculionidae) and flea beetles (Chrysomelidae). The genus contains approximately 31 species in North America and additional species globally, including several used as classical biological control agents. Notable biocontrol species include M. aethiopoides and M. hyperodae, introduced to New Zealand to control forage pests, and M. aethiops and M. vittatae, used in North American agricultural systems. Many species exhibit parthenogenetic reproduction, with M. hyperodae showing arrhenotokous parthenogenesis (males produced parthenogenetically).
Micromalthidae
Telephone-pole Beetles
Micromalthidae is an ancient, relictual family of beetles in the suborder Archostemata, represented today by a single extant species, Micromalthus debilis. The family has a fossil record extending to the Late Permian (approximately 260 million years ago), making it one of the oldest surviving beetle lineages. Members are characterized by highly unusual reproductive biology, including paedogenesis (reproduction by larvae) and parthenogenesis. The family shows extreme morphological reduction in adults, particularly males, with larvae serving as the primary feeding and persistent life stage.
Micromalthus
telephone-pole beetle
Micromalthus is a monotypic genus of beetles containing the single living species Micromalthus debilis, commonly known as the telephone-pole beetle. It represents the sole extant member of the family Micromalthidae, making it a "living fossil" with all other relatives extinct. The genus has been the subject of considerable taxonomic controversy, historically placed in various families including Lymexylidae and Telegeusidae before its current classification in Archostemata. Its reproductive biology is extraordinarily complex, involving multiple developmental pathways and forms of parthenogenesis.
Micromalthus debilis
Telephone-pole Beetle
Micromalthus debilis is a small beetle native to eastern North America and the sole living representative of the family Micromalthidae, often considered a 'living fossil'. The species exhibits one of the most unusual reproductive strategies in Coleoptera: obligate paedogenesis, where reproduction occurs exclusively through parthenogenetic female larvae without production of fertile adults. Adults are vestigial, sterile, and rarely encountered in nature; they can be artificially induced through heat treatment but cannot reproduce. The species is associated with decaying wood and fungal near-red-rot habitats.
Mindarus
balsam twig aphid
Mindarus is a genus of conifer-feeding aphids in the family Mindaridae, commonly known as balsam twig aphids. Species in this genus are specialized phloem feeders on fir trees (Abies spp.), where they cause needle discoloration, shoot deformation, and reduced aesthetic quality. Several species are significant economic pests in Christmas tree plantations, particularly M. abietinus on balsam fir and M. pinicola on Fraser fir. The genus exhibits a holocyclic life cycle with overwintering eggs, spring fundatrices, and summer parthenogenetic generations.
Mocyta
Mocyta is a genus of small rove beetles in the family Staphylinidae, subfamily Aleocharinae, tribe Athetini. The genus comprises 26 known Palearctic species, with five confirmed in Ukraine and additional species documented across Europe and North America. Species identification is complicated by significant individual variability in size, coloration, and spermatheca morphology. The genus has been used in ecological monitoring and biogeographic studies, particularly in forest ecosystems.
Monellia caryella
Blackmargined Pecan Aphid, Black Margined Aphid
Monellia caryella, commonly known as the blackmargined pecan aphid, is a small sap-feeding insect and significant pest of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) orchards in North America. Adults are distinguished by a prominent black stripe along the outer margin of their wings, which are held flat over the body. Populations typically increase from June to August, then decline after approximately three weeks; outbreaks on most cultivars usually subside without causing measurable damage, though the 'Cheyenne' cultivar is notably susceptible. The species is subject to substantial mortality from entomopathogenic fungi, particularly during autumn when environmental conditions favor fungal growth.
Monelliopsis
yellow pecan aphid
Monelliopsis is a genus of aphids (Hemiptera: Aphididae) in the subfamily Calaphidinae, established by Richards in 1965. The genus contains species that are specialized feeders on pecan (Carya illinoinensis), with Monelliopsis pecanis being the most economically significant species. These aphids are known as 'yellow pecan aphids' and are important pests of commercial pecan production in North America. They have piercing-sucking mouthparts and produce honeydew, which supports sooty mold growth. The genus is distinguished from the related Monellia by morphological and behavioral characteristics.
Monelliopsis pecanis
Yellow Pecan Aphid
Monelliopsis pecanis, commonly known as the yellow pecan aphid, is a sap-feeding insect in the family Aphididae that specializes on pecan (Carya illinoinensis). It is one of two primary 'yellow' or 'honeydew' aphid species affecting pecan production, distinguished from the blackmargined aphid (Monellia caryella) by its roof-like wing posture and lack of a black marginal stripe on the wings. Outbreaks typically occur later in the growing season than those of M. caryella and can cause significant defoliation, reduced nut yield, and quality degradation. The species reproduces parthenogenetically during spring and summer, with sexual forms appearing in autumn to produce overwintering eggs.
Monostegia
Monostegia is a genus of sawflies in the family Tenthredinidae. The genus contains at least one well-known species, M. abdominalis, commonly called the loosestrife sawfly. Adults are characterized by black heads and thoraxes with yellow legs and abdomens. The genus has a holarctic distribution, originally native to Europe and Asia but introduced to North America in the 1950s, where it has since expanded its range considerably.
Muellerianella
Muellerianella is a genus of delphacid planthoppers comprising seven described species. The genus is notable for its complex reproductive biology, including both biparentally reproducing sexual species and asexual gynogenetic (pseudogamous) triploid forms. Species within the genus are morphologically similar but ecologically differentiated, occupying distinct habitat niches and exhibiting species-specific host plant associations. The Muellerianella complex has been extensively studied as a model system for understanding ecological speciation, hybridization, and the maintenance of species boundaries in the face of incomplete reproductive isolation.
Mycophila
wood midges
Mycophila is a genus of cecidomyiid midges established by Ephraim Porter Felt in 1911, comprising seven described species. Species within this genus are associated with fungal substrates, with some documented as pests of cultivated mushrooms. The genus exhibits diverse reproductive strategies including paedogenesis and parthenogenesis. At least three species have been recorded from China, with additional species known from North America and Europe.
Myosides
Myosides is a genus of weevils in the family Curculionidae, subfamily Entiminae. The genus was established by Roelofs in 1873 and is native to Asia. At least one species, Myosides seriehispidus, is known to have established populations in North America since 2000.
Myosides seriehispidus
Hair-banded Broad-nosed Weevil
Myosides seriehispidus is a broad-nosed weevil native to Asia that has established populations in North America since 2000. It is notable for its triploid chromosome complement and obligate parthenogenetic reproduction, meaning all individuals are female and reproduce without mating. The species is commonly known as the Hair-banded Broad-nosed Weevil.
Myzus
Myzus is a genus of aphids in the family Aphididae with cosmopolitan distribution, originally native to the Old World. The genus contains economically significant pest species, most notably Myzus persicae (green peach aphid), which is a major vector of plant viruses affecting crops worldwide. Species in this genus exhibit complex life cycles involving host alternation between primary woody hosts and secondary herbaceous hosts. Several Myzus species have been extensively studied for their role in agricultural pest management and virus transmission.
Myzus cerasi
black cherry aphid, cherry blackfly
Myzus cerasi, commonly known as the black cherry aphid or cherry blackfly, is a phloem-feeding aphid native to Europe that has become cosmopolitan in distribution. The species exhibits complex host alternation between primary hosts (Prunus cerasus and Prunus avium) and secondary hosts (Galium and Veronica species). Two host-specific subspecies are recognized: M. c. cerasi on sour cherry and M. c. pruniavium on sweet cherry, distinguished by mitochondrial COI haplotypes and subtle morphological differences. The species is a significant agricultural pest of cherry orchards, forming dense colonies that cause leaf curling and damage to new growth.
Myzus persicae
green peach aphid, greenfly, peach-potato aphid
Myzus persicae is a globally distributed aphid pest with a life cycle alternating between primary woody hosts (Prunus spp., especially peach) and secondary herbaceous hosts across 40 plant families. The species exhibits cyclical parthenogenesis in most populations, with sexual reproduction and egg-laying restricted to autumn on primary hosts. It is the most economically important aphid vector of plant viruses, capable of transmitting over 100 different viruses to crops including potato, tobacco, and brassicas. Some genotypes have lost sexual reproduction entirely, becoming obligate parthenogens that persist year-round on secondary hosts.