Females Defending Themselves

Eye of the Octopus   (Photo by Becky A. Dayhuff) 

When it comes to sexual harassment, females of other species can learn a thing or two from certain octopuses.

In response to unwanted overtures, octopuses off the coast of New South Wales have taken matters into their own tentacles.  Some of these hens have deliberately sprayed oncoming mates with rubble composed of “clams, algae, silt, and other debris.”

One even flung a shell with her tentacle, aiming it like a frisbee at a would-be “suitor.”  In doing so, she displayed a keen tactical intelligence, as well as the assertiveness to send a clear upfront message. 

Resources

https://bloomnews.org/female-octopuses-throw-shells-silt-and-other-debris-at-males-who-are-harassing-them/

Copyright September 1, 2021 by Linda Van Slyke   All Rights Reserved