The lioness is inviting the male to mate with her. The male lion has a mane that can vary in color from tan to black. The mane makes him look larger and more recognizable at a distance, discouraging the intrusion of strange males seeking females or of scavengers looking for food. The mane may make it more difficult for male lions to sneak up on prey, but adult males rarely hunt. Instead, they feed on prey caught by the lionesses or steal the kills of other predators.
Mating behavior is very similar in all cats.
Lions court for several days, during which the female and male stay close to each other. When she is ready, the female adopts the mating position, her belly pressed to the ground and tail to one side. The male mounts her, gripping the skin on the back of her neck with his teeth. After they mate, the female often hits and hisses at the male, perhaps ensuring that his neck bite remains only a love bite. The couple may mate hundreds of times over several days, but afterward, when they return to the pride, they show no special interest in each other.