Sexual-dimorphism

Guides

• Cyrtophora citricola

  Tropical Tent-web Spider, Tropical Tent-web Orbweaver

  Cyrtophora citricola is a colonial orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, notable for building horizontal, non-adhesive tent-shaped webs rather than typical vertical orb webs. The species exhibits remarkable social flexibility, living either solitarily or in colonies where individual webs are interconnected. Native to Africa, Asia, and parts of Europe, it has expanded to the Americas since 2000, including Florida and Puerto Rico. Females reach 10 mm in body length while males are markedly smaller at 3 mm. The species shows pronounced sexual dimorphism and has become significant in agricultural contexts both as a pest and as a potential biological control agent.

  colonial-spiderorb-weaveragricultural-pestbiological-controlsexual-dimorphismsocial-spiderinvasive-speciestent-web

• Dahlica triquetrella

  Narrow Lichen Bagworm, Narrow Lichen Case-bearer

  Dahlica triquetrella is a small bagworm moth in the family Psychidae, notable for its distinctive triangular larval case and unusual reproductive biology. The species exists in both sexual and parthenogenetic forms, with the latter being far more widespread. Sexual populations are restricted to isolated glacial refugia in Central Europe, while parthenogenetic populations span much of Europe and have been introduced to North America. The species is specialized on lichen-feeding and is often overlooked due to the small size and cryptic appearance of its larval cases.

  Psychidaebagwormparthenogenesislichen-feedersexual-dimorphismglacial-relictcase-bearer

• Dasychira vagans

  Variable Tussock Moth

  Dasychira vagans is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1913. The species exhibits notable sexual dimorphism in forewing length, with males measuring 14–18 mm and females 22–24 mm. Adults are active from June to August with a single generation per year. The larvae feed on a broad range of woody plants across multiple families, with a documented preference for Quercus (oak) species. Two subspecies are recognized: D. v. vagans in eastern North America and D. v. grisea ranging from southern Manitoba to the Pacific Northwest.

  mothtussock-mothforestoakNorth-Americasexual-dimorphismunivoltine

• Dasymutilla

  velvet ants, cow killers

  Dasymutilla is a genus of solitary wasps in the family Mutillidae, commonly known as velvet ants. The genus contains the majority of North American velvet ant species. Females are wingless, densely hairy, and often brightly colored in aposematic patterns of red, orange, or white against black. Males possess wings and may differ substantially in coloration from females, leading to historical taxonomic confusion. The genus is notable for females' potent stings, among the most painful of any insect, and for forming one of the world's largest known Müllerian mimicry complexes.

  Mutillidaevelvet-antparasitoidsexual-dimorphismMüllerian-mimicryaposematic-colorationpainful-stingwingless-femaleexternal-parasiteground-nesting-host

• Dasymutilla arenivaga

  Desert Velvet Ant

  Dasymutilla arenivaga is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae, first described by Mickel in 1928. Like all mutillids, it is a solitary wasp with wingless females and winged males, exhibiting the pronounced sexual dimorphism characteristic of this group. The species inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

  velvet-antmutilliddesertparasitoidsexual-dimorphismaposematic-colorationsolitary-waspground-nesting-hoststridulation

• Dasymutilla atricauda

  Dasymutilla atricauda is a species of velvet ant (family Mutillidae), a group of solitary parasitoid wasps in which females are wingless and males are winged. The species was described by Mickel in 1936. Like other members of the genus, females possess a potent sting and exhibit aposematic coloration warning predators of their defensive capabilities. The species is part of the large Müllerian mimicry complex formed by North American velvet ants.

  Mutillidaevelvet-antparasitoidsolitary-waspaposematic-colorationsexual-dimorphism

• Dasymutilla bioculata

  velvet ant

  Dasymutilla bioculata is a species of velvet ant (family Mutillidae), a group of solitary parasitic wasps in which only males possess wings. This species was taxonomically consolidated in 2010, when molecular and morphological analysis demonstrated that 21 previously recognized species and subspecies were actually conspecific. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism: females are wingless and run rapidly across the ground searching for host nests, while males fly and visit flowers. Females possess a potent sting used for defense. The species is a parasitoid of ground-nesting sand wasps in the genera Bembix and Microbembex.

  velvet-antparasitoidaposematicsexual-dimorphismMüllerian-mimicrysand-wasp-parasitestridulationextrafloral-nectary-visitor

• Dasymutilla californica

  Dasymutilla californica is a species of velvet ant (family Mutillidae) native to California and adjacent regions. Like all mutillids, females are wingless and possess a potent sting, while males are winged and do not sting. This species is part of a large genus of solitary parasitoid wasps that target ground-nesting bees and wasps. The species name reflects its primary geographic association with California.

  velvet-antparasitoidaposematicsexual-dimorphismCalifornia-endemic

• Dasymutilla coccineohirta

  Dasymutilla coccineohirta is a species of velvet ant (family Mutillidae) native to western North America. Females are wingless and possess a potent sting, while males are winged. The species exhibits notable variation in female coloration, with setae ranging from red to white. First described by Charles Alfred Blake in 1871 from a California specimen, it was recently synonymized with Dasymutilla clytemnestra. The species can be distinguished from similar taxa by its smaller marginal wing cell and coarser body pilosity.

  velvet-antMutillidaePacific-coastsexual-dimorphismvariable-colorationwingless-femalesolitary-wasp

• Dasymutilla gloriosa

  Thistledown Velvet Ant

  Dasymutilla gloriosa, commonly known as the thistledown velvet ant, is a species of wasp in the family Mutillidae. It exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism and dichromatism: females are wingless, densely covered with long white hairs that provide camouflage resembling creosote bush seeds, while males have wings and more typical coloration. The species inhabits arid regions of the southwestern United States and Mexico, where its unique appearance has been interpreted as both crypsis and thermal adaptation.

  parasitoidsexual-dimorphismcrypsisdesert-adaptedpainful-sting

• Dasymutilla klugii

  Klug's velvet ant

  Dasymutilla klugii, commonly known as Klug's velvet ant, is a species of parasitoid wasp in the family Mutillidae. Despite the common name, it is not an ant but a solitary wasp. Females are wingless and possess a potent sting, while males are winged. The species is the most frequently encountered velvet ant in Texas and has been documented using cicada-killer wasp nests (Sphecius grandis) as hosts for its larvae. The specific epithet honors German entomologist Johann C. F. Klug.

  parasitoidsolitary-waspaposematic-colorationsexual-dimorphismMüllerian-mimicry

• Dasymutilla macilenta

  Dasymutilla macilenta is a species of velvet ant in the family Mutillidae. Like all mutillids, females are wingless and capable of delivering a painful sting, while males possess wings. The species belongs to a large genus of velvet ants distributed primarily in North America, with many species exhibiting bright aposematic coloration warning predators of their defensive capabilities.

  velvet-antmutillidaehymenopterasolitary-waspaposematic-colorationsexual-dimorphismwingless-femalestinging-insectparasitoidnorth-america

• Dasymutilla nogalensis

  velvet ant

  Dasymutilla nogalensis is a velvet ant species native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The male and female were originally described as separate species in 1928—Dasymutilla atrifulva for males and Dasymutilla nogalensis for females—before being synonymized in 2007 based on their conspecific status. As a member of the family Mutillidae, this species exhibits the characteristic sexual dimorphism of velvet ants: wingless females and winged males.

  Mutillidaevelvet-antparasitoidsexual-dimorphismSouthwestSonoran-DesertHymenopteraAculeata

• Dasysyrphus laticaudus

  Boreal Brusheye, boreal conifer fly

  Dasysyrphus laticaudus is a small syrphid fly (5–8.2 mm) commonly found in Eastern and Northern North America. Adults are flower visitors that feed on nectar and pollen. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in frons pattern, eye contact, and abdominal maculae shape. Larvae of the genus Dasysyrphus are aphid predators, though specific larval ecology for this species is not documented.

  hoverflysyrphidflower-flyaphid-predatorNorth-Americasexual-dimorphism

• Dendrobias mandibularis

  Long-jawed Longhorn Beetle

  Dendrobias mandibularis is a species of longhorn beetle (Cerambycidae) described by Dupont in 1834. The species is notable for its enlarged mandibles, particularly in males. It has been collected in desert thorn-scrub habitats in Arizona and is associated with Baccharis sarothroides vegetation. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in mandible development, with major males possessing substantially enlarged jaws.

  CerambycidaeTrachyderinisexual-dimorphismmandibular-hypertrophydesert-thorn-scrubArizona-endemicBaccharis-associatedmonsoon-activemajor-malecoleopteran-collecting-target

• Dendrobias mandibularis mandibularis

  A large cerambycid beetle in the tribe Trachyderini, notable for males possessing extraordinarily enlarged mandibles used in combat. The nominate subspecies occurs in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Adults are diurnal and frequently encountered on flowering vegetation, particularly Baccharis sarothroides. The species has been subject to taxonomic confusion, with some authorities placing it in the genus Trachyderes.

  CerambycidaeTrachyderiniDendrobiasmandibularislonghorn-beetlesouthwestern-USdesertdiurnalsexual-dimorphismmandible-combatBaccharistaxonomy-disputed

• Deporaus

  leaf and bud weevils, leaf-rolling weevils

  Deporaus is a genus of leaf and bud weevils in the family Attelabidae, containing over 200 described species. Species in this genus exhibit characteristic leaf-rolling behavior, where females cut and roll leaf blades to create protective structures for egg laying and larval development. The genus shows considerable host plant diversity, with species associated with temperate deciduous trees (birch, hornbeam, hazel) and tropical/subtropical fruit trees (mango, cashew). Larvae typically develop within leaf rolls or excavated leaf cavities, then pupate in soil.

  Attelabidaeleaf-rolling-weevilleaf-cutting-weevilpestmangobirchsexual-dimorphismsoil-pupation

• Desmocerus californicus dimorphus

  Valley Elderberry Longhorn Beetle

  Desmocerus californicus dimorphus is a federally threatened subspecies of longhorn beetle endemic to California's Central Valley. Adults display striking aposematic coloration with metallic blue bodies and orange elytral markings. The subspecies is sexually dimorphic, with males possessing notably longer antennae than females. It completes its entire life cycle in association with elderberry (Sambucus nigra ssp. caerulea), with larvae developing in living stems and roots. Detection has been substantially improved through the use of synthetic sex-attractant pheromones.

  cerambycidaelepturinaeendemicthreatenedriparianaposematicsexual-dimorphismpheromoneelderberrycalifornia-central-valley

• Diadasia rinconis

  Cactus Bee

  Diadasia rinconis is a solitary ground-nesting bee in the family Apidae, commonly known as the cactus bee. In the Sonoran Desert, it feeds almost exclusively on native cactus species, with its life cycle closely tied to cactus flowering phenology. Males form large mating aggregations where hundreds or thousands patrol nesting areas and compete in "mating balls" for access to emerging females. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females possessing specialized pollen-collecting structures and males showing elongated hind legs.

  solitary-beeground-nestingoligolecticcactus-specialistmating-aggregationSonoran-Desertsexual-dimorphism

• Diaphania elegans

  Diaphania elegans is a crambid moth described by Heinrich Benno Möschler in 1890. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in forewing length, with males measuring 11–14 mm and females 12.5–15 mm. It has a broad distribution spanning the Caribbean, Central America, Mexico, southern Texas, and much of South America. Larvae have been documented feeding on flowers of Cucurbita maxima.

  crambid-mothCucurbita-pestNeotropicalsexual-dimorphismflower-feeder

• Diapheromera covilleae

  creosote bush walkingstick

  Diapheromera covilleae, the creosote bush walkingstick, is a wingless stick insect endemic to the Sonoran Desert region. Adults range from 5–10 cm in length with pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are larger, grey in coloration, and 3–4 cm longer than males, which are brown. The species exhibits strong host-plant fidelity to creosote bush (Larrea tridentata) and related desert vegetation. It is strictly nocturnal and highly cryptic, making detection difficult despite being locally abundant.

  PhasmidaDiapheromeridaeSonoran-Desertcreosote-bushnocturnalsexual-dimorphismcrypticwinglessherbivoredesert-endemic

• Diapriidae

  Diapriidae is a family of minute parasitoid wasps in the order Hymenoptera. Adults range from 1–8 mm in length, with most species measuring 2–4 mm. The family contains approximately 2,300 described species in around 150–200 genera, though estimates suggest at least 4,500 species exist globally. Members are primarily parasitoids of Diptera larvae and pupae, with some species attacking Coleoptera or associated with ants. The family exhibits considerable morphological diversity, including frequent winglessness and pronounced sexual dimorphism.

  parasitoidmicroscopicDiptera-parasitoidwingless-commonsexual-dimorphismbiological-controlant-associatedmoist-habitatsglobal-distributionunderstudied-diversity

• Dichromorpha viridis

  Short-winged Green Grasshopper

  Dichromorpha viridis is a common slant-faced grasshopper found throughout North America. Males are typically bright green with a dorsally slanting face, while females are usually larger and brown. This species exhibits environmentally induced sexual color dimorphism, with females occasionally appearing green and males rarely brown. It is a short-winged, flightless insect that inhabits grassy areas.

  grasshopperslant-facedsexual-dimorphismcolor-plasticityflightlessNorth-America

• Dicopomorpha echmepterygis

  Dicopomorpha echmepterygis is the smallest known adult insect, with wingless males averaging 186 μm in body length (range 139–240 μm). This mymarid parasitoid wasp exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: males are blind, apterous, and possess relatively long legs, while females are fully winged with functional compound eyes and black bodies. The species is an idiobiont parasitoid of eggs of the lepidopsocid barklouse Echmepteryx hageni. Males complete their entire life cycle within the host egg, mating with sisters and dying without ever emerging.

  extreme-miniaturizationsexual-dimorphismapterous-maleeyeless-maleparasitoidegg-parasitoidMymaridaefairyflysmallest-insectidiobiontinbreedinghost-specificbarklouse-parasite

• Dielis

  scoliid wasps

  Dielis is a New World genus of scoliid wasps (Hymenoptera: Scoliidae) in the tribe Campsomerini, formerly treated as a subgenus of Campsomeris. The genus comprises 12 species of medium to large solitary aculeate wasps distributed from Canada to southern South America. Adults are nectar-feeders, while larvae develop as ectoparasitoids of scarab beetle grubs in soil. The genus is notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism in color pattern and body structure, and for unusual mitochondrial genome architecture including a split cox2 gene.

  scoliid-waspsparasitoid-waspssexual-dimorphismscarab-beetle-parasitoidNew-World-waspssplit-mitochondrial-geneseasonal-polyphenism

• Dielis tejensis

  Dielis tejensis is a recently described scoliid wasp endemic to Texas, first known from male specimens and later from mtDNA-verified females. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in body structure and color pattern, with females previously misidentified as Dielis plumipes fossulana. It is notable as the first documented case of partial seasonal polyphenism in Scoliidae, correlated with a multi-generational life cycle and potential aestivation of female immature stages.

  scoliid-waspmammoth-waspsexual-dimorphismseasonal-polyphenismTexas-endemicparasitoidCampsomerini

• Dilophus

  March flies

  Dilophus is a genus of march flies (Diptera: Bibionidae) comprising at least 200 described species. The genus is distinguished from the related genus Bibio by morphological features of the fore legs. Species occur across multiple continents including North America, Europe, and the Afrotropical region. Adults are typically small to medium-sized flies, often reddish in coloration rather than black.

  BibionidaeMarch-fliesDipteradecomposerssoil-insectsswarmingsexual-dimorphism

• Dilophus orbatus

  March fly

  Dilophus orbatus is a species of March fly in the family Bibionidae, first described by Thomas Say in 1823. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in multiple traits: females are larger with black wings and smaller eyes, while males are smaller with transparent wings and large, nearly conjoined compound eyes that dominate the head. Adults typically emerge in spring. Like other Bibionidae, the larvae are soil-dwelling and feed on decaying organic matter.

  sexual-dimorphismholoptic-eyessoil-dwelling-larvaespring-emergenceswarming-behaviordecomposer

• Dilophus tingi

  March fly

  Dilophus tingi is a species of March fly in the family Bibionidae. Like other members of the genus Dilophus, it is likely smaller and less robust than the related genus Bibio, and frequently exhibits reddish coloration. March flies are spring-emerging dipterans known for their swarming behavior and fossorial egg-laying habits.

  DipteraBibionidaeMarch-flyspring-emergenceswarmingfossorialsexual-dimorphismholoptic-eyes

• Diopsidae

  Stalk-eyed Flies

  Stalk-eyed flies are a family of true flies distinguished by their most conspicuous feature: eyes mounted at the ends of long lateral projections called eyestalks. This unique morphology is directly linked to their mating behavior, with males typically possessing longer eyestalks than females and using them in visual displays during courtship. The family occurs primarily in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and Asia, with some species extending into the Arabian Peninsula and other areas. Several species are known agricultural pests, particularly as stem-borers in rice and other Poaceae.

  sexual-selectioneyestalkssexual-dimorphismstem-borerrice-pestWolbachiaAfrotropicalOrientalbehavioral-ecology

• Dipara

  Dipara is a genus of minute parasitoid wasps in the family Diparidae (Chalcidoidea), first described by Walker in 1833. The genus exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are typically wingless (apterous) or short-winged (brachypterous) with clavate antennae, while males are fully winged (macropterous) with filiform antennae. Species are collected primarily from leaf litter and soil habitats using yellow pan traps. Despite flightless females suggesting limited dispersal, some species show minimal phylogeographic structure across broad geographic ranges.

  parasitoidsexual-dimorphismapteryleaf-littersoil-faunaChalcidoideawing-polymorphism

• Dipara trilineata

  Dipara trilineata is a parasitoid wasp in family Diparidae endemic to eastern North America. Females are flightless (apterous) while males possess wings, creating pronounced sexual dimorphism. Despite this apparent dispersal limitation, populations across southern Appalachia show minimal genetic structure. The species was described from Trimicrops trilineatus in 1977, and its male had been misattributed until DNA barcoding definitively established the correct association.

  parasitoidsexual-dimorphismflightless-femalewinged-maleDNA-barcodingAppalachianphylogeographyDiparidaeHymenopteramisattributed-malecorrected-taxonomy

• Diparidae

  Diparidae is a family of chalcid wasps within the superfamily Chalcidoidea. Formerly classified as a subfamily (Diparinae) of Pteromalidae, it is now recognized as a distinct family. The group exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism and includes both winged and wingless forms. Most species are parasitoids associated with forest leaf litter habitats.

  parasitoidsexual-dimorphismleaf-litterflightless-femalesGondwanan-distributionChalcidoidea

• Disholcaspis prehensa

  clasping twig gall wasp

  Disholcaspis prehensa is a gall-inducing cynipid wasp native to California that induces distinctive galls on scrub oak and leather oak. The species exhibits heterogony, alternating between sexual and asexual generations that produce two morphologically different gall types. The asexual generation forms conspicuous mushroom-shaped twig galls with clasping bases, while the sexual generation produces small, hidden bud galls.

  gall-waspcynipidheterogonyparthenogenesisoak-gallCalifornia-endemicant-mutualismDisholcaspisCynipidaeHymenopteraQuercusinduced-plant-structurephloem-sap-exudationbiological-mutualismseasonal-dimorphismsexual-dimorphismgall-dimorphismagamic-generationsexual-generationclasping-twig-gallbud-galltwig-gallnative-California-speciesscrub-oakleather-oakparasitoid-defenseant-plant-interactioninsect-plant-interactionplant-manipulationevolution-of-asexualityWeld-1957Zootaxa-4859molecular-systematicshost-plant-specificityCynipinioak-woodlandchaparralinsect-gallgall-morphologygall-colorationsun-exposure-effectslarval-chamberemergence-timingspring-emergencelate-winter-emergencegall-developmentoviposition-behavioregg-laying-in-budsegg-laying-in-twigsfemale-only-generationwingless-femalewinged-sexual-generationgall-size-dimorphismgall-shape-dimorphismhidden-gallexposed-gallgall-wasp-life-cyclecynipid-biologygall-wasp-taxonomygall-wasp-identificationgall-wasp-ecologyinsect-plant-coevolutionplant-growth-manipulationhormone-mediated-gall-inductionvenom-glandaccessory-glandsecretory-structuresgall-induction-mechanismgall-chemistryphloem-saphoneydewant-attractionant-protectionparasitoid-waspnatural-enemy-defenseindirect-defensemutualistic-interactiontrophic-cascadecommunity-ecologyspecies-interactionecosystem-engineerhabitat-modificationfood-webinsect-diversityCalifornia-biodiversityendemic-insectregional-endemismoak-specialistplant-specialistmonophagousoligophagoushost-rangehost-plant-evolutiongall-wasp-radiationadaptive-radiationevolutionary-innovationreproductive-strategyasexual-reproductionthelytokyarrhenotokysex-determinationdevelopmental-biologyinsect-morphologyinsect-anatomyfemale-morphologyovipositorstingeregg-injectionplant-tissue-manipulationcell-proliferationplant-hormoneauxincytokiningene-expressiontranscriptomicsproteomicsvenom-compositionbiochemistryphysiologyethologybehavioral-ecologypopulation-biologypopulation-dynamicsseasonalityphenologyclimate-effectsmicrohabitatniche-specializationconservation-biologyimperiled-habitatoak-woodland-conservationchaparral-conservationfire-ecologysuccessiondisturbancehabitat-fragmentationurbanizationagricultural-conversioninvasive-speciesclimate-changerange-shiftphenological-shiftcitizen-scienceiNaturalistobservation-dataspecies-distributionoccurrence-recordsbiodiversity-informaticstaxonomic-revisionspecies-descriptiontype-specimenmolecular-dataDNA-barcodingphylogeneticssystematicsevolutionary-historybiogeographydispersalvicariancespeciationspecies-conceptscryptic-speciesspecies-complexmorphological-variationgeographic-variationphenotypic-plasticitygenetic-variationpopulation-geneticsconservation-geneticsrestoration-ecologyhabitat-restorationmanaged-relocationassisted-migrationex-situ-conservationin-situ-conservationprotected-areanatural-reservestate-parknational-parkwilderness-areabiosphere-reserveUNESCOIUCNred-listspecies-assessmentconservation-statusdata-deficientresearch-priorityknowledge-gapfuture-researchgall-wasp-venomgall-wasp-glandsecretory-evolutiongall-wasp-phylogenyCynipidae-evolutionHymenoptera-phylogenyinsect-evolutiongall-evolutionplant-insect-interaction-evolutioncoevolutionary-arms-racemutualism-evolutiondefense-evolutioncounter-defenseenemy-free-spaceenemy-escapeecological-releaseadaptive-peakfitness-landscapeevolutionary-constraintevolutionary-trade-offlife-history-evolutionreproductive-allocationfecunditysurvivaldevelopment-timegeneration-timevoltinismunivoltinebivoltinemultivoltinediapauseoverwinteringcold-hardinessstress-tolerancedesiccation-resistancestarvation-resistanceimmune-responseparasitoid-resistancepathogen-resistancesymbiontmicrobiomegut-microbiotaendosymbiontWolbachiaRickettsiaCardiniumSpiroplasmabacterial-symbiontfungal-symbiontviral-symbiontmutualistic-microbeparasitic-microbecommensal-microbemicrobial-communitymetagenomicsmicrobial-ecologyhost-microbe-interactionimmune-systeminnate-immunityacquired-immunityhumoral-immunitycellular-immunityantimicrobial-peptidereactive-oxygen-speciesnitric-oxidemelanizationencapsulationnodulationphagocytosisautophagyapoptosisprogrammed-cell-deathstress-responseheat-shock-proteinoxidative-stresshypoxiaanoxiametabolic-raterespirationenergy-budgetnutrient-allocationlipid-storageglycogen-storageprotein-storageamino-acid-metabolismcarbohydrate-metabolismlipid-metabolismnitrogen-metabolismexcretionosmoregulationion-transportwater-balancecuticleintegumentsclerotizationpigmentationcolor-patternstructural-coloriridescencebioluminescencephotoreceptorvisioncompound-eyeocellusantennaolfactiongustationchemoreceptionmechanoreceptionthermoreceptionhygroreceptionproprioceptionneurobiologybrainganglionnerveneuronsynapseneurotransmitterhormonepheromoneallomonekairomonesemiochemicalchemical-ecologycommunicationsignalingmate-choicesexual-selectionsperm-competitioncryptic-female-choicemating-systemmating-behaviorcourtshipcopulationinseminationfertilizationovipositionegg-layingparental-carematernal-effectpaternal-effectepigeneticsgen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• Distremocephalus mexicanus

  Distremocephalus mexicanus is a beetle species in the family Phengodidae, a group commonly known as glow-worm beetles or railroad worms. The species was described by Wittmer in 1963 and is native to Mexico. Phengodidae are bioluminescent beetles, with larvae and adult females typically producing light from specialized organs. Males are usually winged and non-luminous, while females are larviform and luminous. The genus Distremocephalus belongs to the tribe Mastinocerini within the subfamily Phengodinae.

  bioluminescentsexual-dimorphismlarviform-femalepredatory-larvaeMexico

• Dodia tarandus

  Woodland Tiger Moth

  Dodia tarandus is a moth in the family Erebidae, first described by Macaulay and Schmidt in 2009. It is endemic to Canada, occurring in boreal black spruce bogs and adjacent open pine uplands across central to northern Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Yukon. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in forewing length, with males measuring approximately 15.5 mm and females 14.3 mm. Larval biology and specific host plants remain unknown, though potential hosts are suspected to include Salix and Ericaceae species common in peatland habitats.

  endemicborealpeatlandsexual-dimorphismdata-deficient

• Dolichopus

  long-legged flies

  Dolichopus is the largest genus in the family Dolichopodidae, comprising over 600 species worldwide. Adults are small flies, typically less than 8 mm in length, with nearly all species exhibiting metallic greenish-blue to greenish-bronze coloration. The genus name derives from Greek words meaning 'long foot,' referring to the elongated legs characteristic of its species. Members of this genus are predatory on other small insects and display complex courtship behaviors involving specialized leg ornaments in males.

  predatorymetallic-colorationsexual-dimorphismcourtship-displayaquatic-surface-behaviortaxonomically-complexmorphometric-identification

• Dolomedes okefinokensis

  Okefenokee Fishing Spider

  Dolomedes okefinokensis is a large nursery web spider endemic to the southeastern United States, named for the Okefenokee Swamp. Females reach approximately 30 mm in body length, while males are substantially smaller at about 8 mm. The species is strongly associated with swampy aquatic habitats and is difficult to distinguish from the similar Dolomedes tenebrosus. As a fishing spider, it exhibits surface-dwelling predatory behaviors characteristic of the genus.

  endemicsexual-dimorphismaquaticsoutheastern-US

• Doryodes tenuistriga

  Doryodes tenuistriga is a moth in the family Erebidae described by Barnes and McDunnough in 1918. It is known from coastal regions of Texas and Louisiana. Sexual dimorphism in size is pronounced, with females substantially larger than males.

  ErebidaeErebinaeNorth-AmericaGulf-Coastsexual-dimorphismautumn-flight

• Doxocopa

  Emperor butterflies

  Doxocopa is a genus of Neotropical butterflies in the family Nymphalidae, subfamily Apaturinae. The genus comprises approximately 17 described species, commonly known as emperors. Many species exhibit strong sexual dimorphism, with males often displaying iridescent blue or green upper wing surfaces. The genus was established by Hübner in 1819 and is distributed primarily from Mexico through Central America and into South America.

  NeotropicalApaturinaesexual-dimorphismemperor-butterflies

• Doxocopa laure

  Silver Emperor

  Doxocopa laure, commonly known as the silver emperor, is a butterfly species in the family Nymphalidae. Males display striking sexual dimorphism with orange forewings and blue iridescence, while females are more subdued in coloration. The species is notable for the silver iridescence on the underside of the hindwing that gives it its common name. It occurs across a broad geographic range from the southern United States through Mexico to Brazil, with multiple described subspecies reflecting this wide distribution.

  sexual-dimorphismiridescentNeotropicalseasonal-migrant

• Doxocopa pavon

  Pavon Emperor, Pavon

  Doxocopa pavon is a sexually dimorphic butterfly in the emperor butterfly subfamily Apaturinae, with males displaying iridescent blue-purple upper wing surfaces and females exhibiting mimicry of unrelated Adelpha species. The species ranges from South America through Mexico, with occasional vagrancy into southern Texas. Larvae feed exclusively on hackberry species (Celtis), while adults are nectar-feeders that also engage in mud-puddling and rotting material feeding.

  sexual-dimorphismmimicryApaturinaeNymphalidaeNeotropicalhackberry-specialist

• Dryadula phaetusa

  Banded Orange Heliconian, Banded Orange, Orange Tiger

  Dryadula phaetusa, the sole species in its genus, is a Neotropical heliconiine butterfly recognizable by its bold orange and black banded wing pattern. It ranges from Brazil to central Mexico, with occasional summer vagrants reaching central Florida. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in color intensity and participates in Müllerian mimicry complexes due to its unpalatability to birds.

  butterflyheliconiineNymphalidaeNeotropicalMüllerian-mimicrymud-puddlingunpalatablesexual-dimorphismvagrant

• Dryinidae

  Pincer Wasps

  Dryinidae is a cosmopolitan family of solitary wasps comprising over 1900 described species across 11-15 subfamilies and 50-57 genera. The family name derives from the Greek 'drys' (oak), as the first species was collected on an oak tree in Spain. Adults are small to medium-sized wasps (0.9-13 mm) with distinctive morphological features including a constricted 'wasp waist,' 10-segmented antennae, and often pronounced sexual dimorphism. The larvae are obligate parasitoids of nymphs and adults of Auchenorrhyncha (leafhoppers, planthoppers, and cicadas).

  parasitoidbiological-controlAuchenorrhynchaleafhopper-parasitoidplanthopper-parasitoidsexual-dimorphismwingless-femalethylacium

• Dryinus

  pincer wasps

  Dryinus is a cosmopolitan genus of dryinid parasitic wasps comprising over 340 fossil and extant species, making it the most diverse genus in the subfamily Dryininae. Species are distributed worldwide, with 103 species reported from the Neotropics alone. These wasps are ectoparasitoids of Hemiptera, particularly planthoppers and related groups. Females exhibit sexual dimorphism with a distinctive chelate (pincer-like) protarsus used in host capture.

  parasitoidbiological-controlHemiptera-parasitoidsexual-dimorphismfossil-wasps

• Dryocampa rubicunda

  rosy maple moth

  Dryocampa rubicunda, commonly known as the rosy maple moth, is a small saturniid moth native to eastern North America. Adults are distinguished by their striking pink and yellow coloration, which varies from cream or white to bright pink or yellow. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism: males have narrower, less rounded wings and bipectinate antennae for detecting female pheromones, while females have broader wings and simple antennae. Larvae, known as greenstriped mapleworms, feed on maple leaves and can cause temporary defoliation in outbreak years.

  SaturniidaeCeratocampinaemaple-feederdefoliatorsexual-dimorphismaposematic-colorationgregarious-larva

• Dryudella

  Dryudella is a genus of solitary digger wasps in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Astatinae, containing over 50 described species distributed across the Holarctic region. These small wasps (typically under 10 mm) are specialized predators of true bugs (Hemiptera), with females constructing nest burrows in sandy soils to provision their offspring. Males exhibit distinctive holoptic eyes that meet at the top of the head and possess broad hind wings that enable rapid flight from perches on twigs and stems. The genus shows sexual habitat segregation, with females typically in shaded nesting areas and males in sunny locations.

  digger-waspsolitary-wasptrue-bug-predatorsand-nestingholoptic-eyessexual-dimorphismHolarctic

• Dryudella caerulea

  Dryudella caerulea is a solitary wasp in the family Crabronidae, subfamily Astatinae. It is one of approximately ten North American species in the genus Dryudella. Females are fossorial, excavating nest burrows in soil, and provision nests with paralyzed true bugs (Hemiptera) as food for their larvae. The species is found in arid habitats of western North America and Central America. Males possess holoptic eyes that meet at the top of the head and broader hind wings than females, adaptations associated with their rapid, darting flight behavior while perching on vegetation to detect mates and rivals.

  solitary-waspfossorialpredatorHemiptera-preysexual-dimorphismholoptic-eyeswestern-North-Americaarid-habitat

• Dufourea monardae

  Beebalm Shortface Bee, monarda dufourea

  A small sweat bee in the family Halictidae, commonly known as the Beebalm Shortface Bee. Females measure approximately 7 mm, males 6–7 mm. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in head shape, with females having a strongly protuberant face and males possessing a longer head. It is an oligolectic specialist, collecting pollen exclusively from bee balm plants (Monarda spp.). Active primarily during July and August across its North American range.

  oligolecticspecialist-pollinatorMonardabee-balmHalictidaeshortface-beesexual-dimorphismfacial-protuberanceprotandrysummer-active

• Dynastes

  Hercules beetles

  Dynastes is a genus of large scarab beetles in the subfamily Dynastinae, commonly known as Hercules beetles. Males are distinguished by prominent cephalic and pronotal horns used in combat, while females lack horns. The genus exhibits remarkable hygrochromic color change, with elytra shifting between black and yellow-green depending on humidity levels. Eight species are currently recognized, distributed from the United States through Central America to South America. Larvae develop in rotting wood, with some species reaching exceptional sizes.

  scarab-beetleshorned-beetlessexual-dimorphismstructural-colorationforest-insectsdecomposerslight-pollution-sensitive