| Genus | Pseudoceros |
| Species | bedfordi |
| Authority | Laidlaw, 1903 |
| Family | Pseudocerotidae |
| Order | Polycladida |
| Location | Helen's Reef, Puerto Princessa, Palawan, Philippines |
| Depth | about 11 m |
| Date | May 2001 |
| © Copyright | The Slug Site by Michael
D. Miller
San Diego, CA, USA |
| Comments | A quite rare photo document showing the complex mating behaviour of
marine polyclads which has been recently described as an act of hypodermic
insemination. During copulation worms were observed to move towards each
other, touch, then roll around together (= "rearing up" - left photo),
simultaneously everting their penis papillae and stylets outward. They
then try to stab each other anywhere (= "penis fencing" - right
photo). When one animal is successful in penetrating the other, it holds
on with its stylet embedded in the epidermis of its partner and spermatozoa
are transferred.
Check out the introductory page to learn more about the mating behaviour of marine polyclads! |