Male octopuses guided through mating by female hormones

Researchers found progesterone produced in female octopus reproductive tissues triggers male mating search behavior.

Male octopuses locate the female oviduct by probing with their hectocotylus, which contains sensory suckers and CRT1 receptors.

Tubes coated with progesterone elicited mating behavior while similar steroids or bitter compounds did not, and male–male pairs did not attempt copulation.