In some frog species, particularly the European common frog (Rana temporaria), females have been observed engaging in tonic immobility, a behavior where they remain motionless, mimicking death.
This is a last-resort mating avoidance strategy used when other tactics like resistance or fleeing fail.
Researchers discovered this during controlled experiments that showed when male frogs attempt to mate and the female is uninterested or overwhelmed (especially during mass breeding events), she may enter this immobile state.
The male, mistaking the female as unfit or dead, usually lets go and searches for another mate.
This behavior is considered adaptive because female frogs are often outnumbered by males during breeding seasons, leading to aggressive mating behavior and even potential injury or death.
By faking death, the female increases her survival chances and may retain agency over mate choice.
Scientific Source:
Dittrich, C., Rödel, M. O., & Linsenmair, K. E. (2020). “Thanatosis” in Rana temporaria: Female frogs feign death to avoid mating. Published in Royal Society Open Science.
This is a last-resort mating avoidance strategy used when other tactics like resistance or fleeing fail.
Researchers discovered this during controlled experiments that showed when male frogs attempt to mate and the female is uninterested or overwhelmed (especially during mass breeding events), she may enter this immobile state.
The male, mistaking the female as unfit or dead, usually lets go and searches for another mate.
This behavior is considered adaptive because female frogs are often outnumbered by males during breeding seasons, leading to aggressive mating behavior and even potential injury or death.
By faking death, the female increases her survival chances and may retain agency over mate choice.
Scientific Source:
Dittrich, C., Rödel, M. O., & Linsenmair, K. E. (2020). “Thanatosis” in Rana temporaria: Female frogs feign death to avoid mating. Published in Royal Society Open Science.
In some frog species, particularly the European common frog (Rana temporaria), females have been observed engaging in tonic immobility, a behavior where they remain motionless, mimicking death.
This is a last-resort mating avoidance strategy used when other tactics like resistance or fleeing fail.
Researchers discovered this during controlled experiments that showed when male frogs attempt to mate and the female is uninterested or overwhelmed (especially during mass breeding events), she may enter this immobile state.
The male, mistaking the female as unfit or dead, usually lets go and searches for another mate.
This behavior is considered adaptive because female frogs are often outnumbered by males during breeding seasons, leading to aggressive mating behavior and even potential injury or death.
By faking death, the female increases her survival chances and may retain agency over mate choice.
Scientific Source:
Dittrich, C., Rödel, M. O., & Linsenmair, K. E. (2020). “Thanatosis” in Rana temporaria: Female frogs feign death to avoid mating. Published in Royal Society Open Science.
