Twisted-wing parasites are insects of the order Strepsiptera, internal parasites of other insects such as bees, wasps, leafhoppers and planthoppers, and one of the most extreme examples of sexual dimorphism in the animal kingdom. Males are short-lived, free-flying insects whose hindwings alone provide flight while their forewings are reduced to small twisted, club-like structures that give the order its name; females of most species remain wingless, legless and permanently embedded within their host's body for their entire life, only ever exposing a small part of themselves to release pheromones and later larvae.
Facts
Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceAdult male Strepsiptera have eyes unlike those of any other insect, resembling the eyes found in the trilobite group Phacopina 1 Scientific Name Sources
1. Strepsiptera - Wikipedia
Introduction
The Strepsiptera, or twisted-winged parasites are an order of parasitic insects
Description section
Adult male Strepsiptera have eyes unlike those of any other insect, resembling the eyes found in the trilobite group Phacopina
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