Figure 1.

Three phases of female sexual behaviors in rodents. (A) The appetitive phase includes detection, approach, and investigation. These three actions occur in loops until the consummatory phase begins. (B) During the consummatory phase, the male initiates mounting, positioning itself on top of the female while holding the female’s flanks with its front paws. If the female is receptive, it stays stationary with its back arching downward, a posture known as lordosis. (C) After the male ejaculates, both males and females show reduced sexual interest and spend most time grooming and licking themselves. Dark gray: male; light gray: female.