robert.schuppenies.de – weblog

Aussie lizard rolls over to avoid sex

When Lake Eyre lizards copulate the male bites the female’s neck, climbs on top of her, wraps his tail around hers and inserts one of his two penises. This can be hazardous to the health of the female because when the males bite them on the neck this can pierce the female’s spine and result in death. Therefore once the female’s eggs have been fertilised, she will try to avoid mating. But males aren’t easily put off. “The males are really persistent,” says Stuart-Fox. “They try and force copulation and they harass females all through the breeding season.” Unreceptive females scare off advancing males by taking on a threatening posture. If this doesn’t work, they throw themselves on their backs and reveal their bright orange underside. “Males can’t actually force themselves onto a female when she’s on her back,” says Stuart-Fox.