Sexual-dimorphism
Guides
Lernaeopodidae
Lernaeopodidae is a family of parasitic copepods in the order Siphonostomatoida. Females are typically large and fleshy, attaching permanently to fish hosts using a chitinous plug called the bulla. Males are smaller and cling to females using their antennae. Members parasitize both marine and freshwater fishes, with some species causing significant problems in aquaculture.
Lestes forcipatus
Sweetflag Spreadwing
A species of spreadwing damselfly native to eastern North America, particularly Canada and the United States. Females exhibit stronger melanotic encapsulation immune responses than males, suggesting higher immunocompetence. Sexual dimorphism is moderate, with mass at emergence influencing immune response patterns in males but not females.
Libellula cyanea
Spangled Skimmer
Libellula cyanea, commonly known as the spangled skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae native to the United States. Males exhibit a blue thorax and abdomen, while females are brown with yellow stripes. Both sexes have clear wings with brown wing tips.
Libellula incesta
slaty skimmer
Libellula incesta, commonly known as the slaty skimmer, is a dragonfly species in the family Libellulidae native to eastern North America. Adults measure approximately 5.28 cm in length. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in coloration: mature males are dark blue with black heads, while females and juveniles display brown abdomens with a darker dorsal stripe. Larvae are specialized inhabitants of lake benthos, and adults are active from June through August.
Limnebius
minute moss beetles
Limnebius is a genus of minute moss beetles in the family Hydraenidae, containing over 160 described species. The genus exhibits uniform external morphology but highly variable male genitalia, ranging from curved rod shapes in the subgenus Bilimneus to complex structures with up to seven longitudinal folds or appendages in Limnebius s.str. Species occur across multiple continents including Europe, Africa, Australia, and Papua New Guinea. The genus has been extensively studied for its morphological diversification and patterns of sexual dimorphism.
Limonia triocellata
Limonia triocellata is a small to medium-sized limoniid crane fly distinguished by three eye-like spots (ocelli) on each wing. It occurs in eastern North America with two distinct flight periods in spring and fall. The species exhibits clear sexual dimorphism in abdominal structure. Taxonomic placement remains unsettled, with some authorities placing it in the genus Metalimnobia.
Liposcelis entomophila
booklouse
Liposcelis entomophila is a small psocid species commonly known as a booklouse. It is a significant pest of stored grain products, with documented infestations in wheat and other stored foods. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism in development, with females passing through four nymphal stages and males through three. It has developed notable resistance to phosphine fumigants used in grain storage, with resistant factors of 40- to 80-fold reported in Chinese populations. The species has a broad global distribution spanning six continents.
Lobiopa insularis
strawberry sap beetle
Lobiopa insularis is a sap-feeding beetle in the family Nitidulidae, widely distributed across the Americas from North America through Central America to South America and the Caribbean. It is a significant agricultural pest of strawberry and other soft fruits, causing direct feeding damage and indirect losses through fungal dispersal. The species has been extensively studied for its biology, life history, and control options, including biological control using parasitoids and entomopathogenic nematodes.
agricultural-pestsap-beetlestrawberry-pestbiological-controlNitidulidaefrugivoroussexual-dimorphismmate-guardingparasitoid-hostentomopathogenic-nematode-hostpolyphagousfungal-dispersal-agentoverwintering-adultlong-lived-adulthigh-fecunditysoil-ovipositionripening-fruit-attractionintegrated-pest-managementBrazilArgentinaAmericas-distributionLordotus pulchrissimus
desert bee fly
Lordotus pulchrissimus is a bee fly in the family Bombyliidae, commonly known as the desert bee fly. Males and females exhibit strong sexual dimorphism in size, fur density, and coloration—females are smaller (2–14 mm), more densely furred, and display brighter orange-yellow tones that fade rapidly with age, while males are larger (8–16 mm), less hairy, and possess black markings on the femora. The species is notable for the daily aerial swarming behavior of males, which form aggregations over stabilized dunes for reasons that remain unclear; this behavior is energetically costly and occurs independently of female presence or resource density. Adults feed primarily on nectar from desert brush, particularly rabbitbrush (Chrysothamnus nauseosus), and serve as pollinators. Larvae are parasitoids, though specific host insects remain unidentified.
Lucanus capreolus
reddish-brown stag beetle, pinching beetle
Lucanus capreolus is a large stag beetle in the family Lucanidae, native to eastern North America. Males possess elongated, curved mandibles resembling sickles or deer antlers, which they use in combat with other males at breeding sites. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males larger and more dramatically mandibled than females. Larvae develop in decaying wood of deciduous trees, taking approximately two years to mature.
Lymantria dispar
spongy moth, gypsy moth
Lymantria dispar is a forest-defoliating moth native to Europe and Asia, now invasive across multiple continents including North America. The species is notable for pronounced sexual dimorphism in adults and variable flight capability among subspecies—females of the European subspecies (L. d. dispar) are flightless, while Asian subspecies possess flight-capable females. Larvae are polyphagous and have been documented feeding on over 500 plant species. The species ranks among the world's most destructive invasive forest pests, with documented outbreaks exceeding 2.5 million caterpillars per hectare.
Mannophorus forreri
Mannophorus forreri is a longhorn beetle in the family Cerambycidae, described by Henry Walter Bates in 1885. It belongs to the tribe Trachyderini, a group known for often brightly colored and patterned species. The species is rarely encountered in collections and appears to have a restricted distribution in the southwestern United States and Mexico. Field observations indicate adults are active in early autumn and visit flowers of yellow composites in mountainous areas of Arizona.
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eing-abettingbeing-facilitatingbeing-easingbeing-smoothingbeing-simplifyingbeing-clarifyingbeing-explainingbeing-interpretingbeing-translatingbeing-renderingbeing-convertingbeing-transformingbeing-changingbeing-alteringbeing-modifyingbeing-adjustingbeing-adaptingbeing-fittingbeing-suitingbeing-matchingbeing-correspondingbeing-agreeingbeing-accordingbeing-harmonizingbeing-conformingbeing-complyingbeing-observingbeing-adheringbeing-stickingbeing-clingingbeing-holdingbeing-graspingbeing-grippingbeing-seizingbeing-grabbingbeing-catchingbeing-capturingbeing-trappingbeing-snaringbeing-nettingbeing-hookingbeing-baggingbeing-landingbeing-securingbeing-obtainingbeing-acquiringbeing-gettingbeing-gainingbeing-winningbeing-earningbeing-achievingbeing-attainingbeing-reachingbeing-arrivingbeing-comingbeing-appearingbeing-emergingbeing-materializingbeing-manifestingbeing-showingbeing-displayingbeing-exhibitingbeing-presentingbeing-offeringbeing-givingbeing-grantingbeing-bestowingbeing-conferringbeing-awardingbeing-giftingbeing-donatingbeing-contributingbeing-sharingbeing-participatingbeing-engagingbeing-involvingbeing-committingbeing-dedicatingbeing-devotingbeing-attachingMantidae
mantids, mantid mantises
Mantidae is the largest family in the order Mantodea, historically encompassing all mantises before modern classifications split the group into multiple families. Most genera are tropical or subtropical in distribution. The family contains ten recognized subfamilies including Choeradodinae, Hierodulinae, Mantinae, and Stagmomantinae. The term "mantid" technically refers only to members of this family, though it is commonly used more broadly for any mantis.
Marpesia zerynthia
Waiter, Waiter Daggerwing
Marpesia zerynthia, commonly known as the waiter or waiter daggerwing, is a Neotropical butterfly in the family Nymphalidae. The species is named for its distinctive wing shape and behavior. Adults are known for gathering in small groups at wet sand and mud to extract moisture and minerals, a behavior called "puddling." The species exhibits a unique thermoregulatory behavior called "pumping," where butterflies rapidly imbibe and expel water. Development from egg to adult takes 32 days or less under favorable conditions.
Marpissa pikei
Pike Slender Jumper, Long-bodied Jumping Spider
Marpissa pikei is a distinctive jumping spider of the family Salticidae, characterized by an extremely elongated, slender body form adapted for crypsis in grassy habitats. It is native to North America, ranging from the eastern United States through the Southwest and into Mexico and Cuba. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism in coloration, with males displaying bold black and orange patterning while females are more cryptically colored. Its common name reflects both its discoverer and its notably attenuated body shape.
Mastophora cornigera
Southern Bolas Spider
Mastophora cornigera is a bolas spider in the orb-weaver family Araneidae. Adult females are specialized predators that capture male noctuid moths using a single sticky silk droplet suspended from a dragline, rather than constructing a traditional orb web. The species is the only member of its genus found in California. Males and juvenile females lack this hunting adaptation and instead capture prey directly with their legs.
Mastophora hutchinsoni
American bolas spider, Cornfield Bolas Spider
Mastophora hutchinsoni is a bolas spider in the orb-weaver family Araneidae, notable for its highly specialized hunting strategy that abandons the typical orb web in favor of a single adhesive droplet on a silk thread. Adult females use aggressive chemical mimicry to attract male moths by releasing species-specific sex pheromone blends, then capture prey by swinging this 'bolas' at hovering moths. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism, with females developing into large, globular spiders while males remain small and retain juvenile hunting behaviors. It occurs throughout eastern North America and has been extensively studied in Kentucky populations.
Mastophora phrynosoma
Toadlike Bolas Spider
Mastophora phrynosoma is a bolas spider in the orb-weaver family Araneidae. Adult females hunt without building a web, instead using a single silk line with one or more sticky droplets to capture prey. Males and juvenile females lack this specialized hunting method and capture prey directly with their legs. The species is found in the United States.
Mastophora stowei
Bolas spider
Mastophora stowei is a species of bolas spider in the orb-weaver family Araneidae, described by Herbert W. Levi in 2003. Like other members of the genus Mastophora, this species has abandoned the construction of traditional orb webs in favor of a specialized hunting technique using a single sticky silk globule suspended on a dragline. The species occurs in the United States and is one of approximately 15 Mastophora species found in North America.
Mastophora timuqua
Bolas spider
Mastophora timuqua is an orb-weaver spider in the family Araneidae, notable for its unique hunting strategy. Adult females are bolas spiders that capture prey using sticky silk droplets suspended on a single line rather than constructing a traditional web. The species is known from the United States, with records indicating presence in North America. Like other members of the genus Mastophora, this species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism in hunting behavior.
Matsucoccus
Matsucoccus is a genus of scale insects in the family Matsucoccidae, specialized feeders on conifers of the genus Pinus. Species within this genus exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism: females are sessile, often concealed under waxy coverings, while males develop wings as adults and are active fliers. Several species are significant forest pests, capable of causing needle yellowing, premature needle drop, shoot desiccation, and tree mortality in heavy infestations. The genus has been subject to taxonomic revision, with some species historically placed in Margarodidae and ongoing uncertainty regarding species boundaries.
Matsucoccus acalyptus
Pinyon Needle Scale, pinyon pine scale
Matsucoccus acalyptus is a univoltine scale insect specialized on pinyon pine (Pinus edulis). Males are winged and appear in early spring, while females are sessile and legless, remaining under bark scales. The species has a complex life cycle involving seasonal migrations between needles and bark, with heavy infestations capable of weakening host trees and predisposing them to beetle attack.
Mecaphesa celer
swift crab spider
Mecaphesa celer is a crab spider in the family Thomisidae, commonly known as the swift crab spider. It is distributed across much of North and Central America. The species exhibits extreme sexual size dimorphism, with females more than twice the size of males. It is a sit-and-wait predator that hunts on flowers and upper plant parts, and has been studied for its population genetics in fragmented volcanic habitats.
Megacraspedus
large twirler moths
Megacraspedus is a genus of small to medium-sized moths in the family Gelechiidae, commonly known as large twirler moths. The genus is primarily Palearctic in distribution and has undergone significant taxonomic revision, with 44 new species described in 2018 alone. Members are characterized by relatively short wings, protruding labial palps, and frequent female flightlessness. Many species inhabit high-elevation mountain habitats up to 3,000 meters.
Megaphasma denticrus
Giant Walkingstick
Megaphasma denticrus, the giant walkingstick, is the longest insect species native to North America, with females reaching over 150 mm (6+ inches) in body length. This phasmid inhabits wooded areas across the south-central United States and parts of Mexico, where it feeds nocturnally on foliage of trees and shrubs. The species exhibits sexual dimorphism, with females substantially larger than males, and possesses distinctive rows of teeth on the underside of the middle femora that aid in identification. Both sexual and asexual reproduction have been documented, though the resulting ploidy of parthenogenetic offspring remains poorly understood.
Megarhyssa atrata
Black Giant Ichneumonid Wasp
Megarhyssa atrata is the largest known hymenopteran parasitoid, with females possessing an ovipositor that can exceed 130 mm—longer than any other arthropod genital apparatus. The species is primarily black with a yellow head and legs, and lacks the reddish-orange markings found in congeners. It parasitizes the larvae of the pigeon horntail (Tremex columba) deep within decaying hardwood, using remarkable wood-penetrating adaptations. Males aggregate at emergence sites and exhibit distinctive "tergal stroking" behavior, rubbing their abdomen tips against bark.
Megarhyssa macrurus icterosticta
Megarhyssa macrurus icterosticta is a subspecies of giant ichneumon wasp, among the largest ichneumonids in North America. Males of this subspecies are smaller than those of the sympatric species M. atrata, with more brown than black body coloration and wings that are clear with a well-developed spot on the costal margin. Females possess extremely long ovipositors used to parasitize woodboring larvae of Tremex columba (pigeon horntail) in decaying hardwoods, particularly at shallower depths than those reached by larger congeners.
Megarhyssa nortoni
Norton's giant ichneumonid wasp, western giant ichneumonid wasp
Megarhyssa nortoni is a large ichneumonid wasp native to North America, with two recognized subspecies occupying western and eastern ranges. Females possess an extraordinarily long ovipositor reaching 51–76 mm, used to parasitize horntail wasp larvae deep within wood. Despite their formidable appearance, they are harmless to humans and do not sting. The species has been introduced to several countries as a biological control agent for forest pest horntails.
Megarhyssa nortoni nortoni
Western Giant Ichneumonid Wasp
Megarhyssa nortoni nortoni is a subspecies of giant ichneumon wasp in the family Ichneumonidae. Females possess an extraordinarily long ovipositor—among the longest of any insect—that they use to parasitize wood-boring horntail larvae deep within dead or dying hardwood trees. The species is native to western North America and has been introduced to New Zealand as a biological control agent. Despite their formidable appearance, they are harmless to humans and cannot sting.
Melalgus
horned powder-post beetles
Melalgus is a genus of beetles in the family Bostrichidae, commonly referred to as horned powder-post beetles. The genus was established by Dejean in 1833 and contains more than 20 described species. Members of this genus are wood-boring beetles that contribute to the degradation of dead wood in forest ecosystems. The common name "horned" refers to a distinctive cephalic projection present in many species.
Melangyna
Halfbands
Melangyna is a genus of hoverflies (Syrphidae) distributed across the Holarctic region, with subgenera in the Nearctic, Palearctic, and Australasian regions. Adults are frequent flower visitors, while larvae are predatory on aphids. The genus exhibits sexual dimorphism in behavior and morphology, with males typically larger than females and showing distinct foraging and habitat exploration patterns.
Melanolestes picipes
Black Corsair, Black May Beetle-Eater
Melanolestes picipes, commonly called the Black Corsair, is a predatory assassin bug in the family Reduviidae. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are fully winged and strong fliers, while females typically have reduced or absent hind wings and merely pad-like forewings. Adults measure 15–20 mm in body length. Northern populations are uniformly jet black; southern specimens may display red or orange abdominal margins or entirely red abdomens. The species is among the most abundant assassin bugs in the United States and is frequently attracted to outdoor lights at night.
Melissodes agilis
agile long-horned bee, agile longhorn bee
Melissodes agilis is a species of long-horned bee in the family Apidae, characterized by the notably long antennae of males. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism in behavior: females are solitary ground-nesters, while males form nightly sleeping aggregations on flowers and vegetation. Males are highly territorial, aggressively defending floral resources from other pollinators including butterflies and bees. The species is native to North and Central America and has been documented in urban pollinator gardens.
Meloinae
blister beetles
Meloinae is a large subfamily of blister beetles (family Meloidae) containing at least 330 described species in multiple tribes distributed across the Holarctic, Neotropical, Afrotropical, and Oriental regions. The subfamily includes economically important genera such as Epicauta (crop pests), Meloe (oil beetles), and Lytta. Members exhibit diverse life histories, with some species being phytophagous adults and others showing complex larval associations with bees or grasshoppers. Sexual dimorphism and stereotyped courtship behaviors have been documented in multiple genera.
Melolonthinae
June Beetles, June bugs, cockchafers, May beetles
Melolonthinae is a large and diverse subfamily of scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) containing over 11,000 species in more than 750 genera, distributed worldwide. Adults range from 3 to 58 mm in length and are typically brown or black, often with setae or scales. The subfamily includes economically important pests such as the Melolontha cockchafers and Phyllophaga May beetles, whose larvae feed on plant roots while adults feed on foliage or may be non-feeding. Many species exhibit pronounced sexual dimorphism in antennae, with males bearing large lamellate antennae to detect female sex pheromones.
Memphis forreri
Forrer's Leafwing
Memphis forreri is a leafwing butterfly (Nymphalidae) found in Central America. The species exhibits striking sexual dimorphism in wing shape and displays dead-leaf mimicry on its ventral surface. Adults have pointed forewings with distinctive blue coloration dorsally. The caterpillar feeds specifically on Ocotea verguensis.
Memphis pithyusa
Pale-spotted Leafwing, Blue Leafwing
Memphis pithyusa is a leafwing butterfly in the family Nymphalidae with a wingspan of 57–76 mm. The species exhibits strong sexual dimorphism, with females notably larger than males. It displays seasonal polyphenism, with distinct dry and wet season forms. The underside of the wings is cryptically colored to resemble a dead leaf, while the upper surface shows dark blue to brown coloration with light spots. It is the smallest member of its species group.
Meotipa
Meotipa is a genus of comb-footed spiders (Theridiidae) first described by Eugène Simon in 1895. The genus is characterized by pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females measuring 2.5–6.0 mm and males only 1.1–1.8 mm. Females possess distinctive abdominal morphology including an upward-projecting tip, rounded knob with conspicuous black flattened spines or scales, and one or two pairs of lateral humps. The genus was synonymized with Chrysso until resurrected in 2009 and currently contains 27 recognized species.
Metellina segmentata
Autumn spider, Eurasian Armoured Long-jawed Spider, Meta segmentata
Metellina segmentata is an orb-weaving spider in the family Tetragnathidae, commonly known as the Autumn spider due to its late-season adult activity. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism: males possess longer legs and a broader prosoma, while females are markedly heavier with a larger opisthosoma adapted for egg production. Adults mature from August to October, with males competing aggressively for access to female webs through ritualized contests influenced by relative body size, prior residency, and female reproductive value. The species builds characteristic orb webs with a radial frame supporting spiral sticky silk, typically positioned 0.5–2 meters above ground in edge habitats.
Methocha
Methocha is a genus of parasitoid wasps in the family Thynnidae (formerly Tiphiidae) that specialize in attacking tiger beetle larvae. Females are wingless and exhibit striking ant-like morphology and behavior, while males are winged. The genus shows pronounced sexual dimorphism and has been documented engaging in remarkable aggressive predatory tactics to access its hosts.
Micrathena
spiny orbweavers, spiny orb-weavers
Micrathena is a genus of orb-weaver spiders containing over 100 species, predominantly distributed in Neotropical woodlands. Females are characterized by hardened abdomens bearing prominent spines, which have evolved independently at least eight times and function as anti-predator defenses. These spiders construct vertical orb webs and are diurnally active. The genus originated approximately 25 million years ago and has undergone extensive diversification in Andean cloud forests.
Micrathena sagittata
Arrow-shaped Micrathena, Arrow-shaped Orbweaver
Micrathena sagittata is a small orb-weaving spider in the family Araneidae, recognized by its distinctive arrow-shaped abdomen with prominent spines. Females reach 8-9 mm in body length, while smaller males lack spines entirely. The species constructs circular webs approximately 30 cm in diameter in forest understory vegetation, where it captures flying and jumping insects. It occurs across the eastern United States and Central America, with peak activity from July through September.
Microlestes
Microlestes is a genus of ground beetles in the family Carabidae, subfamily Lebiinae. The genus contains approximately 127 species distributed across the Afro-tropical region, Palearctic (including Europe), Near East, North Africa, and Oriental region. Species in this genus are small ground beetles, with some exhibiting pronounced sexual dimorphism in leg structure.
Microlinyphia pusilla
Platform spider
Microlinyphia pusilla is a small sheet-web spider in the family Linyphiidae, characterized by strong sexual dimorphism and a distinctive hammock-shaped web built close to the ground in vegetation. Males actively wander in search of mates during autumn, while females and immature males remain on their webs. The species has a Holarctic distribution across North America and Eurasia.
Misumena
Flower Crab Spiders
Misumena is a genus of crab spiders in the family Thomisidae, commonly known as flower crab spiders. The genus contains approximately 40 species distributed across the Northern Hemisphere, with the most well-known species being Misumena vatia, the goldenrod crab spider. These spiders are ambush predators that hunt on flowers, where they rely on camouflage to capture pollinating insects. Some species, particularly females of M. vatia, exhibit remarkable color-changing abilities, shifting between white and yellow to match their floral substrate.
Misumena vatia
goldenrod crab spider, flower crab spider, white death spider
Misumena vatia is a crab spider in the family Thomisidae found across the northern hemisphere in North America and Europe. Adult females are ambush predators that hunt on flowers, where they capture pollinating insects using venom and their enlarged front legs. Females possess a remarkable ability to change color between yellow and white to match their floral substrate, a process taking 6–25 days depending on direction. The species exhibits extreme sexual dimorphism: females reach 6–11 mm while males are only 2.5–5 mm and lack color-changing ability. Females are sedentary, occupying single flowers for extended periods, while males actively search for mates following silk draglines.
Misumenoides
whitebanded crab spider
Misumenoides is a genus of crab spiders in the family Thomisidae, established by F. O. Pickard-Cambridge in 1900. The genus contains approximately 35 species distributed primarily in the Americas, with M. formosipes (whitebanded crab spider) being the most thoroughly documented species in North America. These spiders are ambush predators that typically hunt on flowers, using their crab-like front legs to grasp prey. The genus has been recently recorded from Bangladesh, extending its known distribution to South Asia.
Misumenoides formosipes
White-banded Crab Spider
Misumenoides formosipes is a crab spider (family Thomisidae) commonly known as the white-banded crab spider, named for the distinctive white ridge running through the plane of its eyes. The species exhibits pronounced sexual dimorphism, with females significantly larger than males and capable of changing color between white and yellow to match their surroundings, while males maintain a fixed gold coloration with darker front legs. This sit-and-wait predator hunts pollinators on flowers without building webs.
Monochamus
sawyer beetles, sawyers
Monochamus is a large genus of longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae) distributed worldwide. Commonly known as sawyer beetles, species in this genus are characterized by larvae that bore into dead or dying coniferous trees, particularly pines. Several species serve as vectors for the pine wood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus), the causative agent of pine wilt disease. The genus exhibits strong sexual dimorphism in antennae length, with males typically bearing antennae twice as long as their bodies.
Monochamus notatus
northeastern pine sawyer, notable sawyer
Monochamus notatus is a large longhorned beetle (Cerambycidae) native to North America, occurring in Canada and the United States east of the Rocky Mountains. Adults are active from late spring through summer and are attracted to dead and dying conifers, particularly pines. The species is notable for its pronounced sexual dimorphism: males possess antennae up to twice their body length and elongated forelegs with expanded tarsi, while females have shorter antennae and unmodified legs. Like other Monochamus species, it responds to the aggregation pheromone monochamol and male-produced 2-(undecyloxy)-ethanol for mate location.