Meeting Abstract

30.3  Friday, Jan. 4  Female proceptive behavior in octopus (Abdopus aculeatus d’Orbigny 1834) HUFFARD, CL*; CALDWELL, RL; California Academy of Sciences; University of California, Berkeley chuffard@gmail.com

During extensive observations of the octopus Abdopus aculeatus in situ, we recorded a postural proceptive display given by females engaged in sexual activity. Nearly half of all mating females raised their dorsal arms and coiled them at the tips, typically once mating had already begun. Females that gave this display procured matings more quickly than did non-displaying females, however its use was not associated with males remaining in association with the female for extended guarding. This display was most frequently given by small females, perhaps to obtain additional matings with males despite male preference to spend time guarding and mating large females, in a population where many small females are aggressive with males.