In my previous article on the topic (https://bangbang.md/2026/08/10/nature-is-genderfluid/), I presented some of the unique and wonderful mechanisms of sex fluidity in nature. However, upon more profound research, I discovered even more fascinating cases that deserve to be known!

Gynandromorphs – half-male, half-female

Gynandromorphism is a very unique phenomenon that occurs when an organism contains both male/female genetic tissues. These organisms simultaneously display male and female characteristics, which becomes noticeable if a species possesses visible sexual dimorphism. Gynandromorphism has been noted in several insects (such as moths, butterflies, dragonflies, bees etc.), ants, crustaceans (such as crabs and lobsters), spiders, lizards, snakes, rodents, and birds.

Primary Types of Gynandromorphism:

  • bilateral – the body is split down the middle, with one side displaying male traits, while the opposite side displays female traits;
  • transverse – the front of the body displays characteristics of one sex, while the rear body parts display the other;
  • oblique – the dividing line runs diagonally across the sagittal plane;
  • mosaic, or patch-like – male and female tissues are distributed in patches across various body parts.

“I might’ve encountered one of these stunning cases myself. In my hissing roach colony, there happened to be an individual that appeared fully-grown, bigger than some other males (on the left), with a male rear anatomical structure. However, it completely lacked the distinct fuzz on its antennae, as well as the two large horns on its forehead.” – Luci, author

The bird with four sexes

This astonishing example has been provided by a close friend of mine, who is a major bird enthusiast. We’re speaking of the white-throated sparrow, which has four distinct sexes across two colour morphs. This system is the result of a chromosomal inversion on chromosome 2 (known as a “supergene”), which creates four distinct genetic and behavioural groups:

  • white-striped males/females – more aggressive and fiercely territorial, sing more, are more likely to look for multiple mates, show lower levels of parental care;
  • tan-striped males/females – more docile, monogamous, excellent parenting.

Furthermore, two birds of the same colour morph are unable to reproduce, meaning that breeding pairs consist of a white-striped and a tan-striped individual.

Sex reversal in bearded dragons

Unlike most mammals, many species of reptiles don’t have sex chromosomes. Instead, they develop into males at certain temperatures and females at others. However, bearded dragons are an unusual case, as both chromosomes and temperatures are ultimately responsible for sex determination. Genetically, male dragons have ZZ chromosomes and female dragons have ZW chromosomes. However, if eggs carrying male ZZ chromosomes are exposed to temperatures above 32C, chromosomally male ZZ dragons will undergo a complete sex reversal.

As a result, these hatch as fully functioning biological females with the ability to mate and lay eggs, despite being genetically male.

There are countless more cases existing in nature that would require dozens of articles to cover. However, these are enough to prove that nature is far from being confined to simple. limiting categories. Sex, reproduction, and biological development can take on several forms, showing the level of complexity that actively challenges the binary systems.