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Sexual-dimorphism

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Thynnoidea
Thynnid and Chyphotid Wasps
Thynnoidea is a superfamily of aculeate wasps comprising two families: Thynnidae (thynnid wasps) and Chyphotidae (chyphotid wasps). Members are parasitoid wasps, with females typically wingless and males winged. The superfamily contains hundreds of described species distributed across tropical and temperate regions.
aculeate-wasps parasitoid sexual-dimorphism wingless-females Hymenoptera
Thyridopteryx
bagworm moths
Thyridopteryx is a genus of bagworm moths (Psychidae) comprising five described species. The genus is best known for T. ephemeraeformis, the evergreen bagworm or North American bagworm, a significant pest of ornamental and landscape plants. Larvae construct protective cases from silk and plant fragments, which they carry throughout their development. The genus exhibits unusual sexual dimorphism: males are winged and capable of flight, while females are wingless and remain within their cases for life.
Psychidae bagworm pest ornamental-plants sexual-dimorphism ballooning case-construction thermal-biology USA-NPN-Pheno-Forecast mating-disruption parasitoid-host polyphagy invasive-potential
Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis
Evergreen Bagworm Moth, Eastern Bagworm, Common Bagworm, Common Basket Worm, North American Bagworm
Thyridopteryx ephemeraeformis, the evergreen bagworm moth, is a polyphagous pest species in the family Psychidae. Larvae construct distinctive silken bags decorated with plant fragments, which they carry throughout their development. Males emerge as winged adults with nearly scale-free, transparent wings—reflected in the genus name derived from Greek thyris (window) and ptera (wing). Females remain wingless and never leave their bags, releasing sex pheromones to attract mates. The species exhibits remarkable sexual dimorphism in both morphology and behavior, with males and females showing differential stratification on host trees and distinct pupation heights.
bagworm Psychidae pest ornamental-pest sexual-dimorphism pheromone ballooning polyphagy IPM
Tidarren sisyphoides
Tent Cobweb Weaver
Tidarren sisyphoides is a tangle web spider (family Theridiidae) known for extreme sexual size dimorphism, with males approximately 10% the size of females. The species exhibits a rare mating system in which males die during copulation and remain attached to females for over two hours, though females do not practice sexual cannibalism. It constructs a distinctive three-dimensional web with a dome-shaped sheet and upper tangle that functions as the primary prey capture structure.
spider Theridiidae sexual-dimorphism web-architecture mating-system Neotropical
Tigrosa helluo
Wetland Giant Wolf Spider
Tigrosa helluo is a medium-sized wolf spider (Lycosidae) native to North America, formerly classified as Hogna helluo. Adults average approximately 17 mm in body length, with females larger than males. The species is distinguished by a brown carapace with a prominent yellow stripe extending from the anterior eyes down the cephalothorax, and black spots on the underside of the abdomen. It inhabits diverse environments including woods, marshes, fields, and riparian areas, with a preference for wetter habitats. The spider is nocturnal, solitary, and an active hunter that does not build webs for prey capture.
wolf-spider nocturnal solitary-hunter burrow-builder sexual-dimorphism sexual-cannibalism agrobiont spatial-learning thermal-tolerance
Timema californicum
California timema
Timema californicum is a sexually dimorphic walkingstick insect endemic to California. Males are smaller than females and possess conspicuous cerci used to grasp females during copulation. The species exhibits hemimetabolous development with gradual morphological changes: hatchlings are phenotypically identical between sexes, juveniles show minor differences, and adults display pronounced sexual dimorphism. Males complete development with one fewer moult than females.
Phasmida Timematidae walkingstick stick-insect California-endemic sexual-dimorphism hemimetabolous X0-sex-determination
Tinacrucis
Tinacrucis is a genus of tortricid moths established by Powell in 1986. The genus exhibits marked sexual dimorphism, with males and females showing distinct morphological differences. It contains six described species distributed primarily in Mexico and Central America, with one species extending into the mountains of Arizona. Tinacrucis noroesta is noted as North America's largest tortricine moth.
sexual-dimorphism montane Nearctic Neotropical
Tiphiidae
Tiphiid Flower Wasps, Tiphiid Wasps, Flower Wasps
Tiphiidae is a family of large, solitary wasps whose larvae are parasitoids of beetle larvae, particularly scarab beetles (Scarabaeoidea). The family has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with former subfamilies now reclassified as the separate family Thynnidae. Some members, particularly in the subfamily Brachycistidinae, exhibit striking sexual dimorphism: males are winged and aerial, while females are wingless and fossorial, hunting ground-dwelling beetle larvae.
parasitoid solitary-wasp biological-control sexual-dimorphism fossorial scarab-parasite
Tiphiinae
Tiphiinae is the larger of two subfamilies in the family Tiphiidae, with worldwide distribution. Members are small to medium solitary wasps, up to 25 mm in length. The subfamily includes approximately twelve genera, with Tiphia being the most species-rich and widely studied. Males possess wings; females may be winged or wingless, with wingless females showing distinct thoracic segmentation.
Hymenoptera Tiphiidae solitary-wasps flower-wasps parasitoid-wasps worldwide-distribution sexual-dimorphism wing-dimorphism
Tipula simplex
range crane fly
Tipula simplex, commonly known as the range crane fly, is a crane fly species in the family Tipulidae found in California and potentially Oregon. It is notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism in wing development: males possess fully developed wings, while females are essentially wingless with reduced wings subequal to the halteres. The species inhabits unirrigated pastures and has been documented to reach larval densities capable of causing significant pasture damage.
crane-fly sexual-dimorphism wingless-female pasture-pest California-endemic decomposer
Tipula vestigipennis
Tipula vestigipennis is a crane fly species in the family Tipulidae, first described by Rennie Wilbur Doane in 1908. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in body size, with females substantially larger than males. It is endemic to a highly restricted range in the San Francisco Bay Area of California, where it has been documented as a pest species destructive to vegetation and crops. The species belongs to the subgenus Triplicitipula.
crane-fly Tipulidae Diptera endemic pest California sexual-dimorphism
Tmarus
Octopus Spiders
Tmarus is a large genus of crab spiders (family Thomisidae) established by Eugène Simon in 1875, with more than 230 described species distributed across all continents except Antarctica. These small to moderate-sized spiders (3.7–7.3 mm body length) are characterized by cryptic bark-like coloration and ambush predatory behavior. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females typically larger than males.
crab-spider ambush-predator cryptic-coloration sexual-dimorphism bark-dwelling foliage-dwelling worldwide-distribution elevated-ocular-area porrect-clypeus primary-forest
Tortopus
Tortopus is a genus of burrowing mayflies in the family Polymitarcyidae, restricted to six species based on cladistic revision: T. igaranus, T. circumfluus, T. harrisi, T. zottai, T. bellus, and T. arenales. The genus is characterized by distinctive morphological synapomorphies including female parastyli receptors with long anterior furrows, entirely flattened penes, and nymphs bearing two subapical tubercles on mandibular tusks. Nymphs construct U-shaped tunnels in clay banks, a behavior that renders them difficult to sample with standard aquatic survey methods.
Ephemeroptera Polymitarcyidae burrowing-mayflies Neotropical clay-bank-habitat U-shaped-tunnels mandibular-tusks Tortopsis Campsurinae Panamerican-distribution cladistic-revision synapomorphy parastyli-receptors flattened-penes furcasternal-protuberances subapical-tubercles limnological-sampling-bias nymph-morphology adult-morphology type-species-T.-igaranus new-species-T.-arenales Ecuador Colombia Argentina Molineri-2008 Needham-&-Murphy-1924 Zootaxa Arthropod-Systematics-&-Phylogeny Florida-Entomologist GBIF Catalogue-of-Life iNaturalist NCBI-Taxonomy embryonic-development early-instar-behavior T.-harrisi T.-bellus T.-circumfluus T.-zottai T.-igaranus T.-incertus T.-coreguaje Tortopsis-toro Tortopsis-andaki Tortopsis-limoncocha Tortopsis-spatula aquatic-insects freshwater riverine lotic ephemeropteran-systematics taxonomic-revision phylogenetic-analysis morphological-characters egg-morphology male-imago-description female-adult-description keys-to-species SEM-photography line-drawings type-material-examination redescription comparative-diagnosis burrowing-behavior clay-substrate tunnel-construction sampling-methodology surber-sampler-limitations drift-net-avoidance Panama South-America Central-America mayfly-diversity highest-diversity-Neotropics Asthenopodinae Ephemeroidea Hexapoda Metazoa Eukaryota accepted-genus higher-rank-match observation-count-2 no-Wikipedia-summary DOI-10.11646/zootaxa.2481.1.1 DOI-10.11646/zootaxa.2436.1.4 DOI-10.3897/asp.79.e62735 DOI-10.2307/3493493 Scott-et-al.-1959 Navás Ulmer Traver Lugo-Ortiz-&-McCafferty Domínguez Banks McDunnough Pictet Needham-&-Murphy freshwater-ecology aquatic-entomology insect-development nymphal-stages imago-description alate-adults wing-venation R-sector gonopore-structure parastyli-length pedestal-morphology lateral-view-curvature mandibular-morphology tusk-tubercles mesosternal-structure abdominal-sternum-notch furcasternum protuberance-configuration receptor-socket-orientation IR-vein R2-vein claw-like-structure gonopore-association penis-base-separation female-fore-wing additional-veins comparative-morphology type-specimen holotype allotype paratype neotropical-species new-species-description species-key identification-key male-adult-key female-adult-key nymph-key generic-key Polymitarcyidae-genera systematics phylogeny cladistics monophyly sister-group character-state transformation-series parsimony-analysis morphological-data-set external-morphology egg-chorion micropyle egg-burster hatching emergence behavioral-study early-instar embryology oviposition substrate-preference habitat-specificity endemic regional-diversity conservation biomonitoring water-quality-indicator macroinvertebrate benthic infaunal interstitial hyporheic river-bank stream-bank erosion sediment particle-size clay-content bank-stability root-mat vegetation-association flow-regime current-velocity depth width stream-order catchment basin ecoregion biogeography dispersal colonization vicariance 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convergent-character parallel-evolution reversal character-optimization ACCTRAN DELTRAN unambiguous-optimization ambiguous-optimization most-parsimonious-tree tree-length consistency-index retention-index rescaled-consistency-index homoplasy-index character-fit character-congruence character-support branch-support node-support clade-stability taxonomic-stability-index phylogenetic-signal noise saturation substitution-model rate-heterogeneity among-site-rate-variation gamma-distribution invariant-sites model-selection Akaike-information-criterion Bayesian-information-criterion likelihood-ratio-test Bayesian-inference Markov-chain-Monte-Carlo posterior-probability prior-probability hyperprior convergence effective-sample-size burn-in stationarity trace-plot parameter-estimate credible-interval highest-posterior-density tree-topology tree-shape lineage-through-time diversification-rate extinction-rate speciation-rate net-diversification birth-death-model Yule-model coalescent-model population-size effective-population-size gene-flow migration-rate isolation-by-distance phylogeography historical-biogeography ancestral-area-reconstruction dispersal-vicariance-analysis decisive-weighting event-based-method taxon-area-cladogram area-cladogram biogeographic-homology track-analysis panbiogeography phylogenetic-biogeography ecological-biogeography dispersal-biogeography vicariance-biogeography center-of-origin area-of-endemism refugium Pleistocene glaciation climate-change habitat-fragmentation habitat-loss anthropogenic-impact pollution eutrophication sedimentation dam-construction water-abstraction flow-modification thermal-pollution toxic-substances heavy-metals pesticides urbanization agriculture deforestation land-use-change riparian-degradation channelization dredging mining invasive-species biological-invasion competition predation parasitism mutualism commensalism amensalism facilitation ecosystem-engineer keystone-species flagship-species umbrella-species 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trans-regulatory enhancer promoter silencer insulator transcription-factor signaling-pathway developmental-pathway gene-network epigenetic-modification DNA-methylation histone-modification chromatin-remodeling genomic-imprinting parental-effect maternal-effect paternal-effect cytoplasmic-inheritance mitochondrial-DNA chloroplast-DNA endosymbiont Wolbachia Rickettsia Spiroplasma Cardinium Arsenophonus Hamiltonella Regiella Serratia Buchnera Carsonella Portiera primary-endosymbiont secondary-endosymbiont facultative-symbiont obligate-symbiont mutualistic-symbiont parasitic-symbiont commensal-symbiont pathogen vector disease-transmission zoonosis emerging-infectious-disease biosecurity quarantine eradication control management conservation-biology restoration-ecology habitat-restoration river-restoration stream-restoration floodplain-restoration riparian-restoration wetland-restoration ecosystem-restoration passive-restoration active-restoration assisted-recovery managed-relocation 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ecosystem-service-valuation economic-valuation contingent-valuation choice-experiment benefit-transfer total-economic-value use-value non-use-value direct-use indirect-use option-value bequest-value existence-value willingness-to-pay willingness-to-accept cost-benefit-analysis cost-effectiveness-analysis multi-criteria-analysis decision-support uncertainty risk-assessment scenario-analysis sensitivity-analysis robustness-analysis adaptive-capacity resilience vulnerability exposure sensitivity coping-capacity transformation social-ecological-system complex-adaptive-system tipping-point regime-shift alternative-stable-state hysteresis path-dependence legacy-effect slow-variable fast-variable panarchy adaptive-cycle exploitation release reorganization foresight anticipatory-governance transformative-change sustainability-science future-earth interdisciplinary transdisciplinary problem-oriented solution-oriented action-oriented knowledge-co-production boundary-work boundary-object 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moral-hazard adverse-selection information-asymmetry transaction-cost property-right common-property state-property private-property hybrid-property bundle-of-rights usufruct access withdrawal alienation tenure-security land-tenure water-tenure resource-tenure customary-tenure statutory-tenure legal-pluralism de-facto de-jure formal informal legality legitimacy recognition deviance corruption elite-capture social-capital bonding-capital bridging-capital linking-capital trust reciprocity reputation social-network social-embeddedness structural-hole brokerage closure cohesion density centrality betweenness degree eigenvector PageRank small-world scale-free random-network regular-network hierarchical-network modularity community-structure clustering assortativity homophily heterophily preferential-attachment fitness-model network-evolution network-dynamics temporal-network multilayer-network multiplex-network bipartite-network affiliation-network one-mode-network two-mode-network 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Kunming-Montreal-global-biodiversity-framework 30-by-30-target nature-based-solution NbS ecosystem-based-adaptation ecosystem-based-mitigation green-infrastructure blue-infrastructure natural-infrastructure hybrid-infrastructure climate-smart-agriculture climate-smart-landscape climate-smart-development low-carbon-development green-economy circular-economy bioeconomy blue-economy sustainable-consumption sustainable-production life-cycle-thinking cradle-to-cradle industrial-ecology industrial-symbiosis urban-metabolism socio-ecological-metabolism material-intensity energy-intensity carbon-intensity decoupling absolute-decoupling relative-decoupling resource-efficiency eco-efficiency eco-innovation green-technology clean-technology environmental-technology appropriate-technology participatory-technology technology-transfer technology-diffusion innovation-system national-innovation-system sectoral-innovation-system technological-innovation-system socio-technical-system 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environmental-ceiling social-foundation intergenerational-equity intragenerational-equity distributive-justice procedural-justice recognition-justice environmental-justice climate-justice energy-justice water-justice food-justice spatial-justice territorial-justice ecological-justice species-justice intersectionality adaptation mitigation sustainability sustainable-development well-being human-development capability-approach human-security environmental-security climate-security water-security food-security energy-security livelihood-security disaster-risk-reduction climate-change-adaptation climate-change-mitigation loss-and-damage climate-finance green-climate-fund adaptation-fund global-environment-facility biodiversity-finance nature-finance blended-finance impact-investment ESG environmental-social-governance sustainable-finance green-bond social-bond sustainability-bond blue-bond nature-bond biodiversity-credit offset inset nature-based-credit ecosystem-service-credit payment-for-results results-based-payment conditional-payment performance-based-payment outcome-based-payment environmental-service-payment PSA PES REDD REDD+AFOLU LULUCF NAMA NAMC NDC NAP NBSAP national-adaptation-plan national-biodiversity-strategy-and-action-plan nationally-determined-contribution nationally-appropriate-mitigation-action intended-nationally-determined-contribution long-term-low-emission-development-strategy net-zero-target carbon-budget remaining-carbon-budget emission-gap adaptation-gap finance-gap implementation-gap ambition-loop ratchet-mechanism global-stocktake transparency-framework enhanced-transparency-framework common-but-differentiated-responsibilities respective-capabilities climate-equity climate-litigation climate-governance climate-diplomacy climate-negotiation UNFCCC COP CMP CMA SBSTA SBI IPCC IPBES UNCCD CBD CITES Ramsar World-Heritage Man-and-the-Biosphere MAB UNESCO FAO WHO ILO UNDP UNEP UN-Habitat World-Bank IMF WTO OECD GEF GCF AF 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seed-commons water-commons fisheries-commons forest-commons pasture-commons land-commons urban-commons atmospheric-commons global-commons common-heritage-of-mankind common-concern-of-humankind restorative-justice multispecies-justice more-than-human anthropocene capitalocene plantationocene chthulucene symbiocene good-anthropocene great-acceleration great-transformation great-decoupling great-convergence great-divergence great-fragmentation great-integration great-transition great-work long-now deep-time futures-thinking future-studies strategic-foresight scenario-planning trend-analysis weak-signal wild-card black-swan grey-rhino blue-sky green-swan systemic-change structural-change cultural-change behavioral-change individual-change collective-change social-change organizational-change technological-change economic-change political-change ecological-change planetary-change earth-system-change biodiversity-change ocean-change cryosphere-change atmospheric-change biogeochemical-change nitrogen-cycle-change phosphorus-cycle-change carbon-cycle-change water-cycle-change hydrological-change soil-change vegetation-change ecosystem-change landscape-change seascape-change biosphere-change noosphere-change technosphere-change anthroposphere-change sociosphere-change econosphere-change politosphere-change culturosphere-change semiosphere-change infosphere-change digisphere-change cybersphere-change urban-sphere-change agricultural-sphere-change industrial-sphere-change extractive-sphere-change manufacturing-sphere-change service-sphere-change financial-sphere-change knowledge-sphere-change innovation-sphere-change creativity-sphere-change culture-sphere-change identity-sphere-change meaning-sphere-change value-sphere-change purpose-sphere-change vision-sphere-change mission-sphere-change strategy-sphere-change tactic-sphere-change operation-sphere-change action-sphere-change practice-sphere-change habit-sphere-change routine-sphere-change ritual-sphere-change tradition-sphere-change custom-sphere-change convention-sphere-change norm-sphere-change rule-sphere-change law-sphere-change regulation-sphere-change standard-sphere-change protocol-sphere-change procedure-sphere-change process-sphere-change system-sphere-change structure-sphere-change function-sphere-change pattern-sphere-change dynamic-sphere-change state-sphere-change phase-sphere-change regime-sphere-change equilibrium-sphere-change stability-sphere-change instability-sphere-change chaos-sphere-change order-sphere-change complexity-sphere-change simplicity-sphere-change diversity-sphere-change uniformity-sphere-change heterogeneity-sphere-change homogeneity-sphere-change variation-sphere-change invariance-sphere-change change-sphere-change continuity-sphere-change discontinuity-sphere-change emergence-sphere-change submergence-sphere-change evolution-sphere-change devolution-sphere-change revolution-sphere-change involution-sphere-change convolution-sphere-change resolution-sphere-change dissolution-sphere-change absolution-sphere-change solution-sphere-change
Tragidion
Tragidion is a genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) distributed across North America and Mexico. Species are notable for their bright orange-red and black coloration, which functions in Batesian mimicry of tarantula hawk wasps (Pompilidae: Pepsis, Hemipepsis). The genus contains eleven recognized species, with seven occurring in North America and four restricted to Mexico. Taxonomic clarity was recently provided by Swift & Ray (2008), who described two new species, revalidated one from synonymy, and proposed four new synonymies to resolve long-standing identification challenges.
mimicry Batesian-mimicry tarantula-hawk-wasp-mimic fire-associated wood-borer sexual-dimorphism desert-fauna montane-fauna sap-feeding nectar-feeding
Tramea carolina
Carolina Saddlebags
Tramea carolina, commonly known as the Carolina saddlebags, is a dragonfly species native to eastern North America. Adults are recognized by their distinctive wing markings and colored abdominal segments. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in coloration, with males displaying brighter red tones. It occupies a range of aquatic habitats and has been observed year-round in southern portions of its range.
dragonfly odonata libellulidae aerial-predator aquatic-larva sexual-dimorphism eastern-north-america
Trichinorhipis
Trichinorhipis is a monotypic genus of jewel beetles (Buprestidae) endemic to southern California. The sole species, Trichinorhipis knulli, measures under 4 mm and exhibits distinctive sexual dimorphism in antennae: males possess fan-like (flabellate) antennae adapted for detecting female sex pheromones, while females have unmodified serrate antennae. The genus is placed in its own subtribe (Trichinorphidina) within the tribe Xenorhipidini due to unique morphological characters distinguishing it from related genera Hesperorhipis and Xenorhipis.
Buprestidae jewel-beetles Xenorhipidini monotypic-genus sexual-dimorphism flabellate-antennae California-endemic jojoba desert-beetles wood-boring-larvae rare-beetles pheromone-detection chemosensory-adaptation
Trichinorhipis knulli
Knull's Metallic Wood-boring Beetle
Trichinorhipis knulli is a minute jewel beetle (family Buprestidae) endemic to southern California, where it occurs in Riverside and Imperial Counties. It is the sole member of its monotypic genus, distinguished from related genera by its entire elytra covering the full abdomen and broadly rounded pronotum lacking lateral margins. Males exhibit highly modified flabellate antennae with expanded lamellae bearing numerous olfactory sensillae, an adaptation for detecting female sex pheromones. The species is rarely encountered in the field; most specimens have been reared from dead branches of jojoba (Simmondsia chinensis). At 3.6 mm, it is among the smallest buprestids.
Buprestidae jewel-beetle California-endemic sexual-dimorphism flabellate-antennae jojoba wood-borer monotypic-genus Xenorhipidini rare reared-specimen pheromone-detection miniature-beetle
Trichonephila
Banded Orbweavers, Golden Orb-weavers
Trichonephila is a genus of large orb-weaver spiders renowned for constructing massive, golden-hued webs. Females exhibit pronounced sexual size dimorphism, reaching 12–40 mm in body length while males remain much smaller. The genus was elevated from subgenus status in 2019 and now encompasses 13 species distributed across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Several species, including the Jorō spider (T. clavata) and golden silk spider (T. clavipes), have become notable invaders in North America, with T. clavata demonstrating remarkable cold tolerance and rapid range expansion along the eastern United States.
orb-weaver sexual-dimorphism invasive-species ballooning golden-silk urban-tolerance biological-control
Trichonephila clavata
Jorō spider, Joro Spider, Parachute spider
Trichonephila clavata, commonly known as the Jorō spider, is a large orb-weaving spider native to East Asia that has become established as an invasive species in the southeastern United States since approximately 2010. First confirmed in Georgia in 2014, it has expanded rapidly across multiple states through a combination of ballooning dispersal and human-mediated transport. The species is notable for its substantial size, striking coloration, and extensive golden webs, but poses minimal risk to humans due to small fangs and docile behavior. Its physiological adaptations—including higher metabolic rate, faster heart rate, and greater cold tolerance than its congener Trichonephila clavipes—suggest potential for continued northward range expansion.
invasive-species orb-weaver ballooning urban-wildlife biological-control cold-tolerance startle-response cannibalism kleptoparasitism Japanese-folklore Nephilidae Trichonephila spider-silk range-expansion physiological-adaptation urban-ecology agricultural-pest-predator iNaturalist Georgia Maryland East-Asia United-States spider-bite venom docile non-aggressive web-architecture egg-sac overwintering sexual-dimorphism metabolic-rate heart-rate freeze-tolerance road-ecology prey-capture competition native-spider-impacts public-perception media-sensationalism management pesticide-alternatives broom-removal ornamental structural-pest ornithology cardinal web-strength trophic-interactions DNA-metabarcoding diet-analysis species-distribution-model physiological-entomology behavioral-ecology arachnology ballooning-dispersal human-mediated-dispersal hitchhiker cargo-stowaway port-of-entry climate-change warming northward-expansion DMV Howard-County Elkridge Ilchester West-Elkridge beech-forest secondary-forest suburban roadside telephone-pole streetlamp forest-edge disturbance-tolerance prey-detection vibrational-noise auditory-disturbance motionless freezing shyness Hannibal-Lecter stink-bug lanternfly evolutionary-history ancient-association ecosystem-service biocontrol natural-enemy invasive-pest brown-marmorated-stink-bug spotted-lanternfly Halyomorpha-halys Lycorma-delicatula competitive-exclusion dominant-orb-weaver abundant population-growth rapid-spread range-span 120,000-km2 physiological-plasticity metabolism twice-as-high 77%-higher-heart-rate 74%-freeze-survival development-rate seasonal-window life-cycle-completion thermal-limitation congener-comparison natural-dispersal human-transport iNaturalist-record citizen-science confirmed-sighting breeding-population male-and-female gravid-female egg-case stowaway cargo-container port-introduction local-port vehicle-transport hitchhiking accelerated-arrival several-years natural-means prognostication prediction model suitable-habitat abundant-suitable-habitat eastern-North-America western-North-America potential-range invasive-range potential-impact environmental-impact ecological-impact ecosystem-impact monitor cautious evidence-based reasonable-journalism sensationalism exaggeration uncritical-acceptance harmless carefully-monitored next-steps research-opportunity call-for-research knowledge-gap little-known novel-ecosystem spreading rapidly-expanding invasive-predator invasive-orb-weaver non-native introduced established colonized thriving doing-fine happy merely-20-minutes-away road-trip visit access-spread beech-leaf-disease BLD state-forest remarkable-colony amongst-beech-trees confirmed-prognostication Davis-and-Frick escape-relative-warmth expand-range-northward eastern-seaboard merely-20-minutes-away-from-home resist-opportunity amazing-predators tales-of-arrival previous-episodes 2022 2024 reduce-angst large-non-native-spider establishing-in-DMV facts-presented past-episode venomous-terrible-painful Nah expert-Rick-Hoebeke risks-small puny-fangs unlikely-pierce-skin video completely-non-aggressive eastern-Howard-County haphazard-webs littered-with-remains former-victims leaves shed-exoskeletons much-larger-female dwarfs-mate positioned-just-above strand-of-silk spinnerets underside-of-abdomen near-red-mound relative-to-hand large-and-docile wait-and-see what-Jorō-means-to-ecosystems help-other-spiders put-a-beat-down-on-invasive-pests stink-bugs spotted-lanternflies passive-hunters enormous-webs larger-than-a-meter-in-diameter capture-prey-snared-in-silk arachnophobes-scary arachnophiles-beautiful important-ecosystem-services crop-pests native-range Asia having-an-old-friend-over-for-dinner reunite first-time large-spiders juicy-prey-items feathered-and-non-feathered-reptiles poses-no-known-threat difficult-to-predict-impact non-native-species experts-suggest beyond-scary-mien give-indigenous-large-orb-weavers-run-for-their-money black-and-yellow-garden-spider marbled-orb-weaver spotted-orb-weaver other-parts-of-world most-abundant-and-dominant-orb-weaver what-will-it-mean only-time-will-tell final-tidbit Jorō-shapeshifter Jorō-gumo beautiful-woman seduces-men binds-with-silk devours bad-date acknowledgements Rick-Hoebeke identifying-Jorō insights David-Coyle Bob-Bellinger great-images knowledge studies Veni-vidi-vici Nelsen-et-al.Physiological-evaluation Nephila-clavata-newly-recorded Hoebeke-et-al.Life-Cycle-Habitat-and-Variation Moore Startle-responses Davis-and-Anerao How-Urban-Tolerant-Are-They Davis-et-al.inspiration details stars Dave-Clement Miri-Talabac Maddie-Potter hooked-up-with-colony differentiate resources.ipmcenters.org link Jorō-guru David-Coyle's-take YouTube calm-your-fears Journal-of-Economic-Entomology Journal-of-Medical-Entomology chemical-management-strategies effective-management-methods spider-control-products safe-and-effective unlikely-to-bite generally-harmless big-spiders colorful-spiders invasive-spiders in-your-face-spiders webs-on-homes landscape-plants structures middle-of-where-people-live-work-and-play northern-Georgia-2014 presumed-arrived-few-years-prior 15-years increased-dramatically much-of-Southeast disjunct-populations northeastern-U.S.firestorm-of-interest rapidly-expanding-range southeastern-states many-counties Carolinas Tennessee Oklahoma more-than-a-century parts-of-Florida rarely-Pennsylvania tropics thermal-limitations higher-metabolism faster-heart-rate better-ability-to-tolerate-freezing complete-life-cycle-rapidly chilly-temperatures suite-of-adaptations expand-northward warm-loving-cousin findings-support-potential much-yet-to-be-learned successfully-survive-northern-winters nation-and-world-warm southern-species-expand higher-latitudes-and-altitudes rapidly-range-expansion-will-occur typical-mode-of-dispersal aerial-dispersal ballooning-on-strands-of-silk Charlotte's-babies Charlotte's-Web spectacular-moniker parachute-spider rain-down-from-airplanes long-distance-transit human-assistance good-hitchhikers inseminated-gravid-female egg-case-stowaway arrival-in-DMV several-years-by-natural-means new-introduction-at-local-port human-assist-in-vehicles accelerate-arrival terrible-and-painful small-fangs visited-cousin golden-silk-spider Costa-Rica exceeding-meter-diameter indigenous-large-orb-weavers run-for-their-money minimal-direct-impact firestorm Andrew-Davis Benjamin-Frick University-of-Georgia past-week native-to-eastern-Asia Japan China Korea Taiwan known-in-Georgia-since-2013 spreading-rapidly joined-its-cousin Trichonephila-clavipes established-over-160-years better-tolerate-freezing survive-northern-winters rapidly-range-expansion typical-mode long-distance new-introduction human-assist arachnophobes arachnophiles brown-marmorated-stink-bugs difficult-to-predict scary-mien indigenous-orb-weavers Mary-Nouri Sarah-Morgan WAMU relatively-harmless spider-season fall leaves-changing-color cool-crisp-autumn-air pumpkin-spice extension-entomologist Southeast not-just-spiders 20-feet-wide homes people-live-work-and-play 15-years-or-so influx-of-calls public entomology-extension-programs media-frenzy two-questions get-rid-of-Jorō-spiders are-Jorō-spiders-dangerous Clemson-University Southern-Adventist-University Washington-College Union-College two-new-studies test-methods-for-eliminating how-likely-to-bite harm scoured-internet recommended-treatment-options spider-specific-management-recommendations medically-relevant widow-spiders brown-recluses do-not-enter-homes relatively-new recommended-products labelled-spider-control-products tested-products several-products-eliminate not-legal-pesticides machine-lubricant not-recommended commercially-available strongly-encourage labelled-products easiest-and-cheapest without-chemicals broom-or-stick walked-into-spider-web rode-bike took-spider-to-face not-great-feeling wonder-if-bitey give-bitten-superpowers unique-studies evaluated-behaviors react-to-people rather-drop-off-web hang-around-and-bite really-provoke volunteered-to-get-bitten yes-you-read-correctly akin-to-mosquito-bite little-redness little-swelling largely-gone-next-day no-acquired-superpowers take-home-message twofold simplest-and-most-effective without-pesticides feel-you-need-pesticides product-labeled-for-spider-control try-not-to-freak-out doesn't-want-to-be-on-you odds-of-getting-bitten-extremely-low enjoy-glorious-fall-weather drink-pumpkin-spiced-beverage watch-where-you-walk Keep-calm-and-carry-on bites-unlikely cause-minimal-discomfort associate-professor Department-of-Forestry-and-Environmental-Conservation socials email extension featured pest-management Entomology-Today latest-posts email-subscription March-2022 wondered make-its-way-to-DMV September-2022 two-observations three-years 40-sightings happy-and-doing-just-fine several-Howard-County-locations week-or-so-ago team-of-scientists University mission killing-ultra-valuable-beech-trees thriving-amongst-beech-trees visit-amazing-predators mature-females both-Trichonephila-species three-locally-common-orb-weaving-species time-spent-immobile mild-disturbance brief-puff-of-air air-puff-response-data five-other-North-American-species published-literature 453-observations freezing-behavior 10-spider-species remained-immobile-under-a-minute both-Trichonephila-spiders over-an-hour unprecedented shyest-ever-documented tolerate-urban-environments remaining-motionless fleeing nonsexual-cannibalism mating-activity females-cannibalize-males food-availability territorial-aggression Southeastern-United-States expanding-range shy behavioral-reactions descriptive-observations photo-documentation anecdotal-observations controlled-pairings lab natural-webs field one-female-biting-and-killing-another short-fight similar-size container 25-trials fights-ensued-40%different-sizes 27-trials fights-happened-18%larger-females-not-always-aggressor 52-lab-trials six-bouts 9%direct-killing field-trials empty-web 14-trials one-fight 7%aggressor-killing-and-wrapping silk away-from-any-web not-necessarily-territoriality intraspecific-aggression provoked-or-stressed deserves-more-study newly-invasive biology physiology new-range closely-related-species successfully-established 160-years investigation compare online-records iNaturalist.org seasonal-distributions timing females physiological-traits environmental-tolerance metabolic-rates cardiac-functioning cold-exposure survival brief-below-freezing-temperature shorter-season complete-lifecycle narrow-period suitable-weather inherently-higher-metabolism low-temperature survive-better 74%-compared-to-50%brief-freeze colder-climatic-region southeastern-USA useful-information planning urban-landscapes busy-roads frequent-disturbances auditory-and-vibrational physiological-or-behavioral-changes northeast-Georgia varying-levels-of-road-traffic prey-capture-behavior simulated-prey tuning-fork 128-hz-frequency touched-to-web attacked 357-total-trials 20-different-roads attacked-59%high-variability some-roadsides-over-80%others-less-than-30%small-but-significant-negative-correlation daily-road-traffic spider-attack-rates moderate--to-heavy-traffic-roads slightly-less-likely-to-attack 51%-vs-65%able-to-live-near-roads cost-in-terms-of-prey-capture did-not-weigh-less compensate-for-disturbance accumulating-evidence human-dominated-landscapes aid-spread introduced-range Eriostethus-rufus polysphinctine-ectoparasitoid araneid-spiders Neoscona-spp.endemic-to-Japan Yamagata-Prefecture 38º46'-N northern-Japan northernmost-record genus identification-confirmed morphology DNA-barcoding cocoon large-modified-web unique inverted-triangle over-50-cm hanging-from-ill-defined-part no-organized-structure host-spider circumstantial-evidences structure-of-modified-web pre-existing-web-partly-reused orb-web-completely-removed sustaining-threads-newly-moored parasitises-host-spiders two-subfamilies unusual-for-group invasion-potential known-invasive-range review dispersal-abilities potential-impacts management-strategies October-2022 at-least-120,000-km2 South-Carolina North-Carolina Alabama West-Virginia pattern-of-spread natural-dispersal-mechanisms human-mediated-transport large-bodied-orb-weavers flying-insects small-animals thirteen-co-occurring-spider-species monitored-for-competition resources web-building-sites natural-and-urban-habitats management-options-limited advise-journalists-and-experts against-exaggerating-potential-environmental-impact ecologically-harmless rapid-spread-carefully-monitored cautious-evidence-based-approach determining-next-steps three-material-types web-capture introduced-species alter-established-trophic-interactions molecular-analysis resolve-changes community-structure foraging-links east-coast fecal-samples prey-remains-from-webs dissected-guts compare-diet-composition arthropod-targeted-COI-primers Illumina-MiSeq highest-diversity highest-richness highest-proportion-prey-reads recovery-of-prey-reads dissected-gut-content low overwhelmed-by-Jorō-spider-DNA high-proportions-Jorō-spider-reads higher-prey-diversity-and-richness detected-prey-DNA several-days-after-capture initial-gut-retention-time-estimates first-glimpse complexity-of-trophic-associations introduced-web-building-spider viable-material source-of-prey-DNA estimates-of-biodiversity Jammu-and-Kashmir northernmost-shifting document-presence behavior habitat-adaptation colder-temperature-environment Goha-Tehsil Doda-district 1556.74-meters road-bridge nearby-vegetation brightly-colored-abdomens black green yellow red long-legs yellow-and-black-bandings predominantly-seen smaller fewer unique-behaviors remaining-motionless-after-disturbances 5-10-meters-of-roads adaptation-to-human-settlements field-observations image-documentation expert-confirmation thrive-in-colder-conditions 15-20-degrees-Celsius October-November no-spider-found higher-elevations significantly-lower-temperatures adaptation-limited-to-milder-cold-regions new-insight adaptation need-for-further-research non-native-habitats eggs overwinter harsh-weather-conditions no-protection compact-silk-case milky-coating chorionic-microspheres CM fine-structural-characteristics ecological-importance uneven-size-distribution outer-eggmass evenly-covered single-layer diameter-2.3-µm short-papillary-projections segmental-adhesion mucous-components insoluble-in-water partially-soluble-in-absolute-ethanol spherical-structure HFIP strong-organic-solvent not-derived-from-vitellogenic-or-choriogenetic-processes CM-adhesive-coatings ovipositional-process equivalent-to-cocoon-silk protective-functions silken-eggcase Northern-Cardinal Cardinalis-cardinalis perches steals-food southeast-of-the-United-States questions native-fauna-affected consuming-prey-items example native-species-deriving-benefit manner-of-kleptoparasitism perched-directly-on-web supported-its-weight 42-48-g first-documented-case spider-web-supporting-perching-bird measurements force-gauge typical-webs support-masses-up-to-70-g small-but-growing-body-of-knowledge non-native-spider species-distribution-models ecological-niche-modeling predict-areas establish-if-introduced three-distinct-genetic-lineages mitochondrial-COI genome-wide-SNPs Korean-Peninsula
Trichonephila clavipes
Golden Silk Orb-weaver, Golden Silk Spider, Golden Orb Weaver Spider, Banana Spider
Trichonephila clavipes, commonly known as the golden silk orb-weaver, is a large orb-weaving spider native to continental North and South America. Females are among the largest non-tarantula spiders in North America, measuring 24–40 mm in length, with distinctive yellow-brown coloration and long legs bearing black brush-like tufts of hair. The species is renowned for producing golden-colored silk—one of the strongest known biological materials—and constructing large asymmetrical orb webs up to 1–2 meters in diameter. Unlike its congener Trichonephila clavata (Jorō spider), T. clavipes has limited cold tolerance and remains largely confined to warmer southern regions of the United States despite being established there for over 160 years.
orb-weaver golden-silk sexual-dimorphism medical-research bioremediation invasive-species-relative forest-habitat ballooning-dispersal
Trigonidiinae
trigs, sword-tail crickets, winged bush crickets
Trigonidiinae is a subfamily of true crickets (family Trigonidiidae) in the order Orthoptera, suborder Ensifera. Commonly known as trigs, sword-tail crickets, or winged bush crickets, this group contains small crickets with diverse morphological adaptations. The subfamily includes tribes Phylloscyrtini (Americas distribution) and Trigonidiini (worldwide except Antarctica), along with numerous genera distributed across tropical and temperate regions globally. Many species exhibit distinctive traits such as enlarged maxillary palps, sword-shaped ovipositors, and specialized acoustic communication including substrate-borne vibrational signals.
Orthoptera crickets Ensifera acoustic-communication vibrational-signaling sexual-dimorphism taxonomy biodiversity conservation
Trigoniulus
Asian millipede (informal, for T. corallinus)
Trigoniulus is a genus of millipedes in the family Trigoniulidae, established by Pocock in 1894. The genus contains at least 90 described species distributed primarily across tropical and subtropical regions of Asia. Species such as Trigoniulus corallinus and T. lumbricinus have been studied for their population ecology, revealing seasonal abundance patterns correlated with rainfall and temperature. The genus serves as a host for gut-associated microbes, including bacteria isolated from decaying plant habitats.
millipede Diplopoda Spirobolida Trigoniulidae tropical-Asia population-ecology gut-microbiome seasonal-abundance sexual-dimorphism developmental-stages aggregated-distribution
Trigoniulus corallinus
Rusty Millipede, Common Asian Millipede
Trigoniulus corallinus is a large millipede native to the Indo-Malayan region that has become established as an introduced species across multiple continents. Adults reach 50–75 mm in length and are characterized by a uniform reddish-brown coloration. The species inhabits moist terrestrial environments, particularly areas rich in decaying organic matter. It was the first millipede to have its genome sequenced (2015), and subsequent research has identified an XX/X0 sex chromosome system with males possessing modified seventh-leg pairs (gonopods) used for mating.
millipede introduced-species genome-sequenced decomposer sexual-dimorphism Indo-Malayan Florida-invasive
Trimorus
Trimorus is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the subfamily Teleasinae, family Scelionidae. These wasps are egg parasitoids of ground beetles (Carabidae), with females laying eggs inside beetle eggs. The genus is highly diverse, with approximately 389 described species worldwide, though many more likely remain undescribed. Members exhibit striking sexual dimorphism and wing polymorphism, with both sexes showing variation from fully winged to completely wingless forms.
parasitoid egg-parasitoid sexual-dimorphism wing-polymorphism micro-wasp soil-dwelling Carabidae-parasite
Trisetacus
Trisetacus is a genus of eriophyoid mites (Eriophyoidea: Phytoptidae, historically placed in Nalepellidae) that are obligate parasites of coniferous trees. Species within this genus exhibit strong host specificity, primarily infesting members of Pinaceae and Cupressaceae. The genus includes species with diverse feeding habits: some inhabit needle sheaths, others infest foliage, buds, or seeds. Molecular phylogenetic studies have revealed a deep dichotomy within Trisetacus, with two major lineages distinguished by female genital morphology and host associations—one lineage associated with Pinaceae and another with Cupressaceae. Several species are significant forest pests, causing damage ranging from needle chlorosis and twisting to complete destruction of seed crops. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with 22 species recognized from North America alone.
eriophyoid-mite conifer-parasite forest-pest seed-predator gall-mite Nalepellinae host-specificity sexual-dimorphism molecular-phylogenetics
Tutelina harti
Hart's Jumping Spider
Tutelina harti is a species of jumping spider in the family Salticidae. It is found in the United States and Canada, with records from provinces including Manitoba and Ontario. Like other members of the genus Tutelina, it exhibits sexual dimorphism. The species is part of a group of small, visually oriented hunters known for their distinctive markings and ant-mimicking behaviors in some populations.
jumping-spider Salticidae North-America ant-mimicry sexual-dimorphism
Tutelina similis
Thick-spined Jumping Spider
Tutelina similis is a small jumping spider in the family Salticidae, native to North America. Males measure 4.0–5.0 mm in body length and display striking black and white facial markings, including distinctive "eyebrow" lines behind the anterior median eyes. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females being slightly larger and differently patterned. It is primarily active in June, when adults mature and hunt in sunlit patches of understory vegetation. Some populations have been documented as ant-mimics and ant specialists.
jumping-spider Salticidae ant-mimic sexual-dimorphism North-America understory-predator June-activity arthropod-predator
Typhoctes striolatus
Typhoctes striolatus is a species of wingless wasp in the family Chyphotidae, a small group of parasitoid wasps closely related to velvet ants (Mutillidae). Like other chyphotids, this species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: females are apterous and resemble ants, while males possess wings. The genus Typhoctes is one of two genera in Chyphotidae and is characterized by reduced wing venation in males and specific antennal structures. Very few observations of this species exist in scientific databases.
Hymenoptera Chyphotidae wingless-wasp parasitoid sexual-dimorphism rare North-America
Uca pugilator
sand fiddler crab, Atlantic sand fiddler crab, Calico fiddler
Leptuca pugilator is a temperate fiddler crab species found on the Atlantic coast of North America, from Massachusetts to the Gulf of Mexico. It inhabits intertidal mudflats and sandy estuarine shores, where it constructs burrows and occurs in extremely high densities. Males possess one dramatically enlarged claw used for territorial defense and combat with rival males. The species was transferred from genus Uca to Leptuca in 2016 based on phylogenetic evidence.
crustacean fiddler-crab intertidal temperate burrowing sexual-dimorphism visual-ecology territoriality
Uca pugnax
Atlantic marsh fiddler crab, mud fiddler crab, Atlantic mud fiddler crab, marsh fiddler crab
Minuca pugnax is a small intertidal crab native to Atlantic coast salt marshes of North America. Males possess one dramatically enlarged yellow claw used for signaling and combat, while females have two small claws. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in body size and coloration. It constructs burrows in muddy substrates and has been observed in both low-marsh and, more recently, high-marsh habitats. Larval development includes five zoeal stages and one megalopal stage before settlement.
crustacean decapod fiddler-crab intertidal salt-marsh sexual-dimorphism ecosystem-engineer Atlantic-coast
Ucides cordatus
swamp ghost crab, caranguejo-uçá, Atlantic mangrove ghost crab
Ucides cordatus is a large mangrove crab endemic to the Atlantic coast of the Americas, ranging from Florida to Uruguay. It is one of two species in the genus Ucides and holds substantial economic and ecological importance, particularly in Brazil where it supports artisanal fisheries. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females typically larger than males and differing in carapace coloration. Population declines have been documented since 1988 due to overharvesting, habitat loss, and disease.
crustacean decapod brachyura mangrove terrestrial-crab ecosystem-engineer fisheries-species bioindicator sexual-dimorphism herbivore burrowing Atlantic-distribution Brazil conservation-concern
Ucididae
mangrove crabs, uçá-crabs
Ucididae is a family of semiterrestrial brachyuran crabs currently recognized as containing a single genus, Ucides, with Ucides cordatus as the best-studied species. These crabs are obligate inhabitants of neotropical mangrove ecosystems, where they construct deep burrows in intertidal sediments. The family exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in morphology and behavior, with males possessing disproportionately large chelipeds and females showing abdomen enlargement for egg incubation. Ucididae species are economically significant throughout their range, supporting artisanal fisheries in Brazil, the Dominican Republic, and Suriname.
mangrove burrowing sexual-dimorphism fishery-species tidal-rhythms neotropical ecosystem-engineer semiterrestrial overexploited indicator-species
Ufeus satyricus
Brown Satyr Moth
Ufeus satyricus is a noctuid moth known as the Brown Satyr Moth. It is notable for overwintering as an adult, with adults emerging from pupae in summer and remaining active through fall, winter, and spring. The species shows sexual dimorphism in forewing length, with females larger than males. It is closely associated with large poplar trees across its North American range.
overwintering-adult sexual-dimorphism poplar-associate winter-active
Ulomini
darkling beetles
Ulomini is a tribe of darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae) established by Blanchard in 1845. The tribe contains more than 20 genera, including the large genus Uloma with over 200 species and subspecies worldwide. Members are primarily associated with forest habitats and decaying wood. Larval stages of several species have been described, showing oligopod morphology with diagnostic abdominal segment features.
darkling-beetles forest-beetles decaying-wood larval-morphology sexual-dimorphism China-fauna
Umbonia
Thorn Treehoppers
Umbonia is a genus of treehoppers in the family Membracidae, characterized by pronounced pronotal modifications that form thorn-like or horn-like projections. The genus occurs primarily in the Neotropics, with species distributed from the southern United States through Central America to South America. Members of this genus exhibit subsocial behavior, with females providing extended parental care to nymphal offspring. Several species, particularly Umbonia crassicornis, have been studied intensively for their complex maternal care systems involving vibrational communication between mothers and offspring. The genus includes approximately 16 described species, with Umbonia crassicornis being the most commonly encountered and economically significant species.
subsocial-behavior parental-care vibrational-communication sexual-dimorphism pronotal-modification pest-species Neotropical-distribution invasive-species-(Puerto-Rico)
Umbonia crassicornis
Thorn bug, Thorn Treehopper
Umbonia crassicornis is a treehopper species in the family Membracidae, notable for its pronounced sexual dimorphism in pronotal horn structure and extensive maternal care. Adult females deposit approximately 100 eggs into plant stems or under bark, then remain with the developing nymphs until adulthood—a rare subsocial behavior among insects. Nymphs and adults form dense aggregations, with offspring communicating danger to the mother through synchronized vibrational signals that trigger her antipredator defense. The species feeds on plant sap and is occasionally a pest of ornamental and fruit trees in southern Florida and Puerto Rico.
subsocial-behavior maternal-care vibrational-communication sexual-dimorphism thorn-mimicry pest-species introduced-species
Unaspis euonymi
Euonymus Scale
Unaspis euonymi is a diaspidid scale insect native to East Asia and now widespread as an invasive pest. It infests Euonymus species and several other ornamental plants, causing significant damage in urban and suburban landscapes. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in both morphology and feeding behavior. It has been extensively studied as a target for classical biological control using introduced and native natural enemies.
scale-insect pest ornamental biological-control sexual-dimorphism invasive-species Diaspididae Euonymus urban-entomology phloem-feeder
Unionicola
Unionicola is a genus of freshwater water mites (family Unionicolidae) described by Haldeman in 1842. The genus has cosmopolitan distribution and comprises parasitic species primarily associated with molluscan hosts, though some species associate with freshwater sponges. Most species infest unionid mussels, while U. crassipes and U. minor are associated with Spongillidae sponges. The mite-host relationship involves consumption of host mucus and tissue, with potential negative effects on host fitness.
water-mite parasite freshwater mollusk-parasite sponge-associate cosmopolitan sexual-dimorphism
Valentibulla
Valentibulla is a genus of true fruit flies (Tephritidae) established by Foote & Blanc in 1959. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism in which females are larger than males, but males possess enlarged forefemora used in mating. Male forefemur size predicts copulatory success. The genus is part of the diverse tephritid radiation, though detailed biological information remains limited.
sexual-dimorphism mating-behavior foreleg-modification Tephritidae fruit-flies genus-level
Valgus canaliculatus
Valgus canaliculatus is a tiny scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, measuring only 4–6 mm in length with a broad, strongly flattened body. The species belongs to the tribe Valgini, one of only two tribes in Scarabaeidae possessing dorsal and ventral scale-like setae. Adults exhibit strong sexual dimorphism in feeding behavior: only males visit flowers, using specially modified brush-like mouthparts to lap up nectar, while females do not feed on pollen. The species has been documented in association with termite galleries, where eggs are laid and larvae feed on wood within the galleries, though whether this termophily is obligatory remains unclear.
scarab-beetle flower-visitor termite-association glade-inhabitant sexual-dimorphism Cetoniinae Valgini
Valgus hemipterus
Valgus hemipterus is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, measuring 6–10 mm in length. The species is notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism: females possess an elongated, acuminate telson with a central groove and lateral serrations, a trait unusual among beetles, while males exhibit a different scale pattern and are more frequently observed on flowers. It has one generation per year and overwinters as a pupa.
scarab-beetle Cetoniinae flower-visitor wood-borer sexual-dimorphism univoltine invasive-in-North-America
Verrucosa arenata
Arrowhead Orbweaver, Arrowhead Spider, Triangle Orb Weaver
Verrucosa arenata is a large orb-weaver spider notable for its triangular, arrowhead-shaped abdomen and distinctive upward-facing posture in its web—unusual among orb-weavers. Females display white or yellow triangular markings on the dorsal abdomen, while males are smaller and lack this pattern. The species exhibits color polymorphism with documented trade-offs between camouflage and prey attraction. Its webs feature a unique architecture lacking radial threads, with tougher, stretchier silk enabling specialized "reeling" prey capture behavior.
orb-weaver spider North-America sexual-dimorphism color-polymorphism web-architecture predation thermoregulation
Virbia laeta
joyful holomelina, Joyful Virbia Moth
Virbia laeta, commonly known as the joyful holomelina or Joyful Virbia Moth, is a small moth in the family Erebidae. It was described by Félix Édouard Guérin-Méneville in 1844. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in forewing length and shows considerable variation in adult flight period across its North American range.
moth Erebidae Arctiinae pine-woodland North-America sexual-dimorphism herbivore
Walckenaeria communis
dwarf spider
Walckenaeria communis is a minute spider in the dwarf spider subfamily Erigoninae, measuring only about 2 mm in body length. The species is notable for the distinctive horn-like cephalic extension present in some males. It occurs across the United States and Canada, including Alaska and Alberta.
dwarf-spider Erigoninae North-America sexual-dimorphism horn-like-projection
Xenidae
twisted-wing parasites
Xenidae is a family of endoparasitic twisted-wing insects (Strepsiptera) comprising approximately 13 genera and over 120 described species. Members are obligate endoparasites primarily of social wasps and hornets (Hymenoptera: Vespidae), though some genera parasitize other wasp families including Sphecidae and Bembicidae. The family exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: males are free-living with reduced forewings and functional hindwings, while females are neotenic, legless, and permanently embedded within their hosts with only a cephalothorax protruding. Molecular studies indicate substantial cryptic species diversity, with actual species numbers likely at least double current descriptions.
endoparasite strepsiptera social-wasp-parasite sexual-dimorphism neoteny cryptic-species host-parasite-interaction
Xenorhipidini
Xenorhipidini is a small tribe of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) comprising approximately 8 described species across three genera. The tribe is notable for extreme sexual dimorphism in antennal structure: males possess highly modified flabellate or lamellate antennae with expanded distal segments covered in olfactory sensillae, while females retain unmodified serrate antennae. This modification, unique among non-monotypic buprestid tribes, is associated with pheromone detection. Members are found in arid and semi-arid regions of North and South America and the West Indies.
Buprestidae jewel-beetles sexual-dimorphism pheromone-detection wood-borers arid-regions Nearctic Neotropical
Xenorhipis
Xenorhipis is a genus of jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) native to the Americas, comprising approximately 15 described species. The genus is notable for extreme sexual dimorphism in antennal structure: males possess highly modified flabellate or lamellate antennae with expanded distal segments, while females retain the serrate condition typical of the family. This antennal modification, shared with related genera in the tribe Xenorhipidini, functions in detecting female sex pheromones. Adults are short-lived and rarely encountered in the field.
Buprestidae jewel-beetles sexual-dimorphism flabellate-antennae pheromone-detection wood-boring-larvae rarely-encountered Americas
Xenorhipis brendeli
Xenorhipis brendeli is a metallic wood-boring beetle (family Buprestidae) notable for extreme sexual dimorphism in antennae. Males possess highly modified, flabellate (comb-like) antennae with expanded distal segments covered in olfactory sensillae, while females retain the unmodified serrate antennae typical of the family. This species is the only member of its tribe occurring in eastern North America, ranging west to Minnesota and eastern Texas. Adults are short-lived, with males living no longer than 48 hours, and exhibit a narrow daily activity window focused on mate location via female-released pheromones.
sexual-dimorphism flabellate-antennae pheromone-communication hickory-specialist short-lived-adult wood-borer jewel-beetle rarely-encountered
Xenorhipis hidalgoensis
Xenorhipis hidalgoensis is a small metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, notable for extreme sexual dimorphism in antennal structure. Males possess highly modified flabellate (comb-like) antennae with expanded distal segments covered in olfactory sensillae, while females retain typical serrate antennae. The species was first described from Hidalgo County, Texas, and is among the least frequently encountered buprestids in North America.
Buprestidae Xenorhipini sexual-dimorphism pheromone-detection wood-boring-beetle rare-species Texas Mexico flabellate-antennae
Xenorhipis osborni
Xenorhipis osborni is a metallic wood-boring beetle in the family Buprestidae, tribe Xenorhipidini. It is native to west Texas and adjacent regions of North America. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennae, with males possessing highly modified flabellate antennae bearing numerous olfactory sensillae, presumably for detecting female sex pheromones. Larval development occurs in dead branches of acacia species (Fabaceae), particularly black acacia (Vachellia rigidula) and catclaw acacia (Senegalia greggii).
Buprestidae Xenorhipidini wood-boring-beetle acacia-associate sexual-dimorphism flabellate-antennae west-Texas-endemic larval-host:-Fabaceae