Female stick insect clones itself despite having sex with males

Despite having sex with males, females of a Japanese stick insect species produce offspring that are genetically identical to themselves. Combined with other evidence, it suggests that the males of the species have become sterile.

The females of some stick insect species, including a type of Japanese stick insect (Ramulus mikado) have evolved to produce eggs that can turn into female embryos without requiring fertilisation by sperm. This …