Parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction whereby offspring are produced without the embryo being fertilised by a male. There are a reasonable number of species of insect that can reproduce parthenogenetically but perhaps the most well know is the Indian or Laboratory stick insect (Carausius morosus). In this species, like most other parthenogenetic species, the females lay unfertilised eggs which hatch into females which also lay unfertilised eggs and so on.

Other insects capable of reproducing parthenogenetically include some species of aphid, ant, bee and parasitic wasp.

Many aphids reproduce parthenogenetically.

Related terms

• Adenotrophic viviparity
• Aphid
• Hermaphrodite
• Oviparity
• Ovipositor

Related groups of terms

• General biology
• Insect life cycles

Related pages on this web site

• Insect life cycles

See other words beginning with P