Sea slug's 'disposable penis' surprises
By Rebecca Morelle
Science reporter, BBC World Service
12 February 2013 Last updated at 20:14 ET

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-21431678



A sea slug that is able to detach, re-grow and then re-use its penis has surprised scientists.

Japanese researchers observed the bizarre mating behaviour in a species called Chromodoris reticulata, which is found in the Pacific Ocean.

They believe this is the first creature known that can repeatedly copulate with what they describe as a "disposable penis".

The study is published in the Royal Society's journal Biology Letters.

The sex life of the sea slug is complicated even before detachable organs come into play.

Almost all of these creatures, which are also known as nudibranchs, are thought to be "simultaneous hermaphrodites". This means they have both male and female sexual organs and can use them both at the same time.

But the finding that one species has added another layer of complexity to copulation surprised the sea slug expert.

"I haven't seen anything like this before," he said.

No great loss

Sea slugs are not the only animals who abandon their penis.

Disposable is fine, but I believe in recycling. 

Had to do it!

King Missile- Detachable Penis

I saw this story this morning as I went past BBC on my way to Susans'. (BBC News is my home page).

I think the journalist here was just looking for anything they could twist to make a story. What this is, is a packet of the creature's sperm being deposited. It's not unknown and a number of creatres do this, in varying ways. I recall, in the 70s, learning about a fish that did this. Aparently the advantage being the female recipient could then break open the membrane containing the sperm to fertilise herself, when it was appropriate. In that species case, they were migratory.

Still, twisting that into a story about disposable penis' is a twist of pure journalism Anglais. (ie, dishonest).