Sexual solicitations and initiative (proceptivity, sensu Beach,
1976) are important components of the sexuality of females of many primate
species. In the tufted capuchin (Cebus apella), female proceptivity
characterizes the species mating system. In Study 1 we defined and
discussed 20 behavioral patterns based on the observation of 6 females and
5 males living in two social groups. In Study 2 each behavior, including
mounting activity, was quantitatively assessed during the periovulatory
and non-periovulatory cycle phases of four females, detected on the basis
of urinary progestin levels (N=20 ovulatory cycles, 5 for each female);
moreover, we monitored changes in females social interactions (agonism,
grooming activity and play). Nine of the behaviors typically used by the
female during courtship and in sexual interactions showed a dramatic
increase during the periovulatory phase. Though males mounted females at
an apparently higher rate during the periovulatory than the non-
periovulatory phase, the difference was not significant. However, when
adult male mounting is separated into those which occur within play and
non-play contexts, there is a significant periovulatory phase effect for
mounts not associated with play. Females groomed adult males at the same
rate throughout the cycle. Agonism and play did not show any phase effect;
however, females avoidance of adult males significantly increased during
the periovulatory phase. Finally, each female made a statistically
different use of the behavioral repertoire by performing some behaviors
more than others. This variability among females during courtship calls
for further research into whether it affects mating success.
