Of Birds And Bees—and Lions And Hamsters (Press, 6 September 1977)

In an insightful exploration of animal mating behaviours, zoologist John Sparks outlines the vast diversity and complexity found in the ways different species reproduce in his upcoming book, "The Sexual Connection." Set to be released in the UK, the book offers a detailed look at the myriad of strategies animals employ to mate, many of which evoke parallels to human practices. Sparks highlights how some male creatures engage in unusual mating rituals. For example, a male bee may need to dig out his female counterpart from the ground to mate, while the North American grouse presents a peculiar situation where only 10% of males get to breed, and even then, they may have significantly more opportunities compared to the other males. In fascinating comparisons, Sparks cites historical human practices, like chastity belts, which echo the behaviour of male butterflies. These males use a plug-like secretion called a “sphragis” to prevent females from mating with other males after copulation, reflecting a form of control over female fidelity. Similarly, the male Aedes mosquito, known for spreading yellow fever, passes a sedative to the female during mating to curb her sexual desire, thereby ensuring that she does not mate again soon after. Celestial events influence mating rituals too; some species time their reproductive activities based on lunar cycles. The European ragworm swarms in sync with the moon’s phases, while the female nightjar mates during the last quarter of the moon cycle. Sparks also delves into instances of fatal attraction in the animal kingdom, where female creatures may fatally harm their male partners during mating. The female midge, for instance, possesses deadly jaws that can stab a male during the act, often leading to his demise. Similarly, male Saiga antelopes and salmon may also perish as a consequence of overexertion during the breeding season. The concept of virgin births emerges as another fascinating survival strategy, observed in species such as the Indian gecko and the Texas molly, indicating that some females can reproduce without male assistance. Furthermore, bisexuality in certain animals, including barnacles and tapeworms, illustrates another way species ensure their survival and reproduction. Sparks notes specific animal behaviours which highlight their reproductive proficiency. For instance, a ram can mate with around 30 ewes within four days, and a pair of lions in captivity demonstrated extreme vigour by mating 360 times over eight days. On the other hand, butterflies may remain monogamous for an entire week, countering the stereotype of their fleeting courtships. Lastly, the common hamster is portrayed as particularly prolific, with couples engaging in frequent copulation, potentially surpassing one encounter per minute during their initial rendezvous. Through these rich and sometimes bizarre examples from the animal kingdom, Sparks' work illustrates the surprising interconnections between human and animal reproductive behaviours, emphasising that the rules governing love and mating are as varied as they are complex.

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