Paedogenesis

For the soil evolution process, see Pedogenesis

Paedogenesis is the act of reproduction by an organism that has not achieved physical maturity. It is associated with progenesis, where sexual maturity is achieved in the juvenile form and further physical maturity is not achieved.

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The ability for paedogenesis is found in insects in which the larval stage reproduces without achieving maturity. It occurs in the females of certain beetles, Strepsiptera, bagworms, and gall midges.

Occasionally, in certain species such as midges, the larvae are essentially born pregnant and reproduce quickly. Often, these insects will devour the mother in the process. This process is usually triggered by periods of food abundance in the area and will continue indefinitely until the abundance of food is gone.

See also

• Progenesis
• Paedomorphism
• Neoteny
• Heterochrony