Gynopara

/dʒaɪˈnɒpərə/ noun

Definition

In insects, a form or generation of female that reproduces asexually, particularly in aphids and other parthenogenetic species.

Etymology

From Greek 'gyne' (female) plus 'para' (beside or alongside). A term developed in entomology to describe asexual female forms in species with complex life cycles.

Kelly Says

Aphids are nature's cloning machines—they produce gynoparas (female clones) throughout summer when conditions are good, then switch to sexual reproduction only when winter threatens!

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