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Sophia Callander, an Australian National University PhD student, has been studying the behavior of fiddler crabs over the past three years. Observing groups of males as they attempt to attract a mate, Callander has made some interesting observations.

When a group of male fiddler crabs see a female approach, the group will erupt into frenzied action. In particular, the males will wave their larger claw in an arc-like motion. Females will generally pick a male who begins waving earlier than the others, has a larger claw, and is a faster waver.

A male’s trial isn’t over with the waving, though. Once he has been chosen based on his claw and waving skills, he must then take the female fiddler crab to his burrow where she can inspect his housekeeping skills.

Read more about fiddler crab mating behavior in the Science Alert article.