Penis fencing

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For the human sexual behavior, see Frot.

Penis fencing is a mating behavior engaged in by certain species of flatworm, such as Pseudobiceros hancockanus. Species which engage in the practice are hermaphroditic, possessing both eggs and sperm-producing testes.[1]

Child-bearing, while necessary for the continuation of a species, requires considerable resources from the mother. Thus, from a biological point of view, it is preferable to be the father rather than the mother.

The species "fence" using two-headed dagger-like penises which are pointed, and white in color. The "winner" is the organism that inseminates the other. The sperm is absorbed through pores in the skin, causing fertilization in the "loser".

[edit] Other uses

The term also applies to homosexual activity between two male bonobos.[2]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Leslie Newman. Fighting to mate: flatworm penis fencing. PBS.
  2. ^ Bonobo Sex and Society, by: de Waal, Frans B.M., Scientific American, 00368733, Mar95, Vol. 272, Issue 3 (Word document) "They also practice so-called penis-fencing, in which two males hang face to face from a branch while rubbing their erect penises together."

[edit] External links

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