Democratic Sentinel, Volume 17, Number 33, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 1 September 1893 — An Entomological Paradox. [ARTICLE]

An Entomological Paradox.

Of all the wonderful creations of nature few will excite greater amazement if given microscopic examination and careful attention than the common little iusect known as the “ vine-fretter.” Catch one of these little mites at the moment of its birth, this in the spring or early summer, when they are actually born and not hatched as other insects are, and put it where it has no chance of contact with others of its species Within a surprisingly short period it will give birth to others of its kind. Instantly isolate the new arrivals and after they have acquired a certain growth it will be noted that they, too. are reproducing their kind, just as their progenitor had done; all of which proves that these beings of extraordinary fecundity are real androgynous creatures without distinctive sex. During the spring and early summer, as hinted above, all vine-fretters are viviparous, that is, they bring forth their young alive. Toward the beginning of autumn, strange as it may seem,, all is changed, among the new, as well as the older generations,each laying eggs which are not hatched until the return of warm weather the following spring. There may be other insects equally as paradoxical in the manner of reproduction as the vine-fretter, but ‘‘ye curious man/’ has not yet discovered them.—[St. Louis Republic.