David Element
Wildlife Photography and Digital Video Images
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Phasmids 1 - Stick Insects 1
STICK INSECT Clonopsis
gallica (f)
STICK INSECT Clonopsis gallica (f)
- Phasmids
are rather poorly represented in Europe. However, there are several
species and this expertly camouflaged female Stick Insect Clonopsis
gallica was found in
Brittany, France. This species reproduces parthenogenetically (i.e. the eggs
are able to hatch without any need for fertilization) in common with many
other phasmids and males are said to be very rare. This form of
reproduction essentially gives rise a clone of offspring which are
genetically identical to the parent. This approach rather flies in the
face of most models of evolution as it would appear to undermine the
capability of the species to adapt quickly to changed environmental
circumstances, as indeed would the loss of the capability of flight.
Nevertheless these strategies clearly works for these insects!
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