Evolutionary consequences of parthogenesis: evidence from the Warramaba virgo complex.

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Abstract
Comparative quantitative analyses of variability in closely related parthenogenetic and sexually reproducing species are lacking. Results of comparative analyses of relative variability carried out on the obligate thelytokous grasshopper W. virgo (Key) and 3 [W. picta and 2 spp. undescribed] closely related sexually reproducing species are reported. Consistent patterns of differences in variability of 14 morphometric traits between clones and races of the parthenogenetic species, were absent in populations and species of the related sexual forms. When variability in the parthenogenetic and sexual species was compared, the parthenogenetic taxa were at least as variable as and often more variable than the sexual species.