Transcriptomic profiling of the reproductive mode switch in the pea aphid in response to natural autumnal photoperiod.

Aphids are among the rare organisms that can change their reproductive mode across their life cycle. During spring and summer they reproduce clonally and efficiently by parthenogenesis. At the end of summer aphids perceive the shortening of day length which triggers the production of sexual individuals - males and oviparous females - that will mate and lay overwintering cold-resistant eggs.