CARNAL NATION

Newsflash: oral sex is not just for humans. A study out of China reveals that the female short-nosed fruit bat often licks the male's penis while mating. And due to her flexibility and the pair’s dorsoventral (rear entry) positioning, she does so while being penetrated. Though she does not lick the glans (head) of the penis, as it is penetrating her vagina, she does bend over and lick the shaft and base. The researchers observed a positive correlation between the length of time of oral-genital contact and the length of time of copulation.

Using video devices, the Chinese research team observed twenty sex sessions between male and female bats to learn more about their mating habits. In addition to oral sex during intercourse, they also observed that foreplay for fruit bats includes sniffing and body licking and the male consistently licks his own penis post-copulation. The female was also seen grooming herself after sex and the pair generally remain in close proximity post-coitus.

The researchers hypothesize that the female licks her mate’s penis to increase stimulation and prolong the male’s erection. They suggest that the lubrication may facilitate thrusting, promote sperm transport or stimulate pituitary gland secretions in the female. Prolonged sex sessions may also be a means of “mate-guarding” or preventing the  transmission of disease, as bat saliva may offer some antibacterial and antiviral protection.