Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 17, 2025

Manipulation of Color Patterns in Jumping Spiders for Use in Behavioral Experiments
Published on: May 21, 2019
Same-sex sexual behavior in brown-headed spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps) during grappling between two
Malika Gottstein1, Citlalli Morelos-Juárez2, Colleen M Schaffner3
1Eva Mayr-Stihl Professorship for Forest Genetics, Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Albert-Ludwigs-Universität Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany. malika.gottstein@forgen.uni-freiburg.de.
Abstract:
Sexual behavior in animals fulfills reproductive and social functions, extending beyond the traditional focus on reproduction. Same-sex sexual behavior, defined as genital contact or manipulation between individuals of the same sex, occurs in various primate species. In spider monkeys, grappling, a behavior involving prolonged mutual embraces, face greeting, tail intertwining, and genital manipulation, occurs primarily between males. Here, we report a novel incidence of same-sex sexual behavior and grappling between two subadult male brown-headed spider monkeys (Ateles fusciceps fusciceps). Our observation contributes to the understanding of the social functions of sexual behavior and to the broader appreciation of primate sexuality.
Related Concept Videos
Fixed Action Patterns
Mate Choice
Relationship Formation

