Nature will be each lovely and brutal. In some corners of the animal kingdom, love and demise go hand in hand—fairly actually.
There are a number of species the place one associate, often the feminine, finally ends up consuming the opposite after and even throughout mating. This behaviour, referred to as sexual cannibalism, may sound surprising, however it serves stunning functions—from diet to making sure profitable copy.
Let’s take a look at a number of the animals that practise this lethal ritual.
Story continues under this advert
1. Praying mantises
Sexual cannibalism is well-documented amongst praying mantises. Females might devour males throughout or after mating, a behaviour noticed each in captivity and within the wild. Research counsel that this act can enhance a feminine’s reproductive success by offering extra vitamins.
2. Redback spiders
Feminine redback spiders (Latrodectus hasselti) ceaselessly interact in sexual cannibalism. Males usually somersault into the feminine’s mouthparts throughout mating, facilitating their very own consumption. This self-sacrificial habits will increase the length of copulation and the probability of profitable fertilization.
3. Black widow spiders
Whereas the time period “black widow” suggests ordinary mate consumption, this behaviour varies amongst species. In North American species like Latrodectus hesperus, sexual cannibalism is uncommon in pure settings and extra generally noticed in laboratory circumstances. Thus, whereas it could possibly happen, it’s not a constant behaviour throughout all black widow species.
Sexual cannibalism is well-documented amongst praying mantises. (Supply: Wikimedia Commons)
4. Blue-lined octopuses
Male blue-lined octopuses (Hapalochlaena fasciata) have developed a singular technique to keep away from being eaten by bigger, doubtlessly cannibalistic females. They inject a potent neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin, into the feminine throughout mating, quickly paralysing her and stopping cannibalism.
Story continues under this advert
5. Nursery internet spiders (Pisaurina mira)
On this species, males threat being consumed by females throughout mating. To mitigate this, males wrap the feminine’s legs with silk to immobilize her, lowering the prospect of cannibalism. This habits is a documented self-defense mechanism throughout copulation.
6. Crab spiders (Misumena vatia)
Sexual cannibalism in crab spiders is reasonably widespread. Older males are extra inclined to being attacked and consumed by females, particularly later within the mating season when feminine aggression will increase.
Wikipedia
7. Inexperienced and golden bell frogs
Latest observations have documented cases the place feminine inexperienced and golden bell frogs (Litoria aurea) try to devour male suitors after mating. This behaviour, captured on video, means that sexual cannibalism might happen on this species, though it seems to be uncommon.
8. Inexperienced anacondas
Feminine inexperienced anacondas (Eunectes murinus) have been noticed consuming males after mating. This behaviour is believed to supply the feminine with extra vitamins essential for gestation, though detailed research are restricted.
