Viviparity
Guides
Aphis fabae
black bean aphid, blackfly, bean aphid, beet leaf aphid
Aphis fabae is a small, soft-bodied aphid in the family Aphididae, commonly known as the black bean aphid or blackfly. It is a significant agricultural pest with a broad host range, attacking beans, sugar beet, and numerous other crops. The species exhibits a heteroecious life cycle with host alternation between a woody primary host (Euonymus europaeus, spindle tree) and herbaceous secondary hosts. It reproduces parthenogenetically during the growing season and sexually in autumn, producing overwintering eggs. The aphid is capable of rapid population increase through viviparous reproduction, and winged forms develop seasonally to facilitate migration between host plants.
Aphis nerii
oleander aphid, milkweed aphid, sweet pepper aphid, nerium aphid
Aphis nerii is a cosmopolitan aphid species in the family Aphididae, primarily associated with plants in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae), especially milkweeds (Asclepias) and oleander (Nerium oleander). The species exhibits complex reproductive strategies including parthenogenesis and viviparity, with winged and wingless female morphs. It is a significant pest of ornamental plants and a known vector of multiple plant viruses. The species has been introduced widely beyond its native range and is now found in tropical, Mediterranean, and temperate regions globally.
Diplocentrus spitzeri
Ruby Rock Scorpion
Diplocentrus spitzeri is a scorpion species in the family Diplocentridae, endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental in Sonora, Mexico. The species exhibits distinctive maternal care behaviors, including a specialized birth posture where the female elevates her body on her legs and pedipalps while young emerge from the genital opercula and climb onto her back. First instar young remain on the mother's back until their first molt, during which time the female displays defensive behaviors to protect them. The species inhabits rocky pine-oak forest environments, where it shelters under stones and in rock crevices.
Hippobosca
forest flies, flat flies, iron flies
Hippobosca is a genus of louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising seven described species. These obligate hematophagous ectoparasites exhibit dorso-ventrally flattened bodies adapted for clinging to host hair or feathers. Unlike many hippoboscids that shed wings after host colonization, Hippobosca species retain fully developed wings throughout life, functioning as temporary parasites that repeatedly leave hosts between blood meals. The genus has broad distribution across Europe, Asia, and Africa, with some species introduced to other regions. Several species are of veterinary and medical significance as vectors of bacterial and protozoan pathogens.
Longistigma
giant bark aphid
Longistigma is a genus of giant aphids in the family Aphididae, containing at least three described species. These are the largest aphids in North America, with Longistigma caryae (giant bark aphid) being particularly notable for its size. The genus was established by Wilson in 1909 based on the extremely long, slender stigma that extends around the end of the wing. Members of this genus feed on bark and are associated with trees including oak, hickory, walnut, and beech.
Ornithomya
bird louse flies
Ornithomya is a genus of louse flies (family Hippoboscidae) comprising approximately 31 species of obligate avian ectoparasites. All species are blood-feeding parasites of birds, primarily Passeriformes. Adults are dorsoventrally flattened with reduced or absent wings in many individuals. The genus exhibits adenotrophic viviparity, with larvae developing entirely within the female and deposited as fully mature third instars that immediately pupate. Species show varying degrees of host specificity correlated with bird nesting ecology.
Trichobius
bat flies
Trichobius is a genus of bat flies (Diptera: Streblidae) containing more than 60 described species. These obligate ectoparasites are exclusively associated with bats, exhibiting varying degrees of host specificity. Species within the genus display diverse morphological and ecological traits, with some showing strong preferences for particular host species, roost types, or host sexes.
Tuberolachnus salignus
Giant Willow Aphid
Tuberolachnus salignus, the giant willow aphid, is one of the largest aphid species in the world, reaching up to 5.8 mm in body length. It is an obligate parthenogenetic species, reproducing without males and producing genetically identical female offspring. Native to Asia, it has become cosmopolitan, spreading to all continents except Antarctica. The species feeds primarily on willow phloem sap and is considered an invasive pest in regions including New Zealand, where it impacts willow-based industries and apiculture through copious honeydew production.