These female animals don’t need a male to make a baby.
Parthenogenesis is a Greek word meaning “virgin creation,” but specifically refers to female asexual reproduction. Females of these species, which include some wasps, crustaceans, and lizards, reproduce only through parthenogenesis and are called obligate parthenogens.
Scientists have learned spontaneous parthenogenesis may be a heritable trait, meaning females that suddenly experience parthenogenesis might be more likely to have daughters that can do the same. Though spontaneous parthenogenesis appears to be rare, it does provide some benefits to the female who can achieve it. In some cases, it can allow females to generate their own mating partners.