Parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis is the method of reproduction in which the ovum, or female element, can develop without being fertilised by a spermatozoon or male element. Such cases are comparatively rare, but occur among the Rotifers or Wheel Animals, the Crustacea, as in the so-called "summerova" of Cladocera, and in the fresh-water Branchiopod known as Apus; and among the insects as in the Gall-flies ( Cynipidce), the Plant-lice {Aphidcc), and in the worker bees and wasps.