Stick Insect

Gongylopus Brunner

Stick insect females can choose to reproduce by parthenogenesis (often referred to as virgin birth) producing only female offspring, or mate with males through sexual reproduction and have a mix of male and female offspring. The eggs of stick insects have a coating of calcium oxalate which makes them survive unharmed in the digestive tract of birds. It has been suggested that birds may have a role in the dispersal of parthenogenetic stick insect species, especially to islands. 

Story contribution:

Oron Catts and Ionat Zurr
Tissue Culture & Art Project
SymbioticA, The Centre for Excellence in Biological Arts
School of Human Sciences + School of Design
The University of Western Australia