While sexual reproduction in animals is the norm, many species are capable of parthenogenesis:  that is normal development in the absence of fertilization.  For example in vast insect order Hymenoptera (ants, bees and wasps), unfertilized eggs develop into males and fertilized eggs develop into females.   Parthenogenetic reproducing animal species have independently evolved many times from obligate sexual species.   This is surprising because dramatic cellular adaptations are required for successful development without a sperm-derived centrosome and chromosome complement.  Here I describe the extraordinary cellular structures and processes that have facilitated the evolution of virgin birth.