List of animals that have virgin births
Komodo dragons
In 2006, scientists discovered that Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) can reproduce without a male. At that time, a female Komodo dragon at Chester Zoo in the UK laid 25 eggs without having had contact with a male.
Sharks
Shovelnose sharks (Sphyrna tiburo) are one of the shark species known to reproduce by parthenogenesis. At the Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium in Omaha, a female shovelnose shark gave birth to a pup despite never having contact with males. This event confirmed that sharks can undergo parthenogenesis. Virgin births have also occurred in other shark species, including zebra sharks (Stegostoma tigrinum), blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus), and smooth-tailed sharks (Mustelus mustelus)..
California Condors
California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) can reproduce without males, even when they are present. Genetic testing revealed that two male chicks of a female condor at the San Diego Zoo carried only their mother’s DNA.
Stick insects
Stick insects, especially those of the genus Timema, reproduce predominantly by parthenogenesis. Although asexual reproduction is common in these insects, it can limit their ability to adapt to changing environments. To counteract this, some Timema species occasionally engage in sexual reproduction, which increases genetic diversity.
Blind snakes
The Brahminy blind snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus) probably reproduces exclusively asexually; so far only female specimens have been observed.
Tardigrade
Tardigrades, microscopic aquatic creatures, can reproduce both sexually and asexually, but parthenogenesis is more common in their lakes and on land.
Crocodiles
Crocodiles can reproduce without mating, a process called parthenogenesis. This form of asexual reproduction allows embryos to develop from unfertilized eggs without the need for male fertilization. Although it is rare and was only recently documented for the first time in crocodiles, parthenogenesis has been observed in other reptiles, such as some species of snakes and lizards. The discovery in crocodiles suggests that this ability may have been present in their ancestors, and possibly also in dinosaurs and pterosaurs.
Mollyfish
Amazon mollies (Poecilia formosa) exhibit a unique form of parthenogenesis known as sperm-dependent parthenogenesis. These exclusively female fish use sperm from males of related species to trigger egg formation, although the sperm does not contribute any genetic material to the egg.
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