The photo at right is, I strongly suspect, two slugs “getting busy” under an artichoke plant. After I found them and took some intrusive pictures, I did a bit of internet research. This is from the wikipedia entry on slugs:
“Slugs are hermaphrodites, having both female and male reproductive organs.
Once a slug has located a mate, they encircle each other and sperm is exchanged through their protruded genitalia. A few days later the slugs lay around 30 eggs in a hole in the ground, or beneath the cover of an object such as a fallen log.
Apophallation is a commonly seen practice among many slugs. In apophallating species, the penis curls like a corkscrew and during mating often becomes entangled in the mate’s genitalia. Apophallation allows the slugs to separate themselves by one or both of the slugs chewing off the other’s penis. Once its penis has been removed, the slug is still able to mate using only the female parts of its reproductive system.”
They can chew off each other’s penises! And that doesn’t cause an abrupt and shocking end to their mating! While I don’t think that is the lovemaking technique represented in the photo, it is worth noting that…well…wow!
Tagged: Chewing Things/Chewing Things Off, Tasteful Erotica, Wildlife