SYDNEY, Australia - Scientists at the University of New South Wales are preparing to announce the discovery of a species of flatworm, known as Imogine lateotentare, that displays an unusual mating process referred to as "penis fencing".
The species was discovered in Sydney`s Botany Bay. Scientists at the university have been keeping it in a laboratory and observing its odd behavior. The species has both male and female sex organs, but goes through a bizarre mating ritual.
To reproduce, the worms engage in a battle with their penises which resembles fencing, each trying to stab the other with their genitals. The first one to stab the other injects sperm and then goes off to find another "battle". The loser lays eggs.
