Male redback spiders invite cannibalism through a ‘self-sacrificial somersault’ during sex – but why?
New research explores the genetic basis for the 'self-sacrificial somersault' performed by male redback spiders during mating. This behavior, which often leads to the male being eaten by the female, is thought to maximize reproductive success.
A female redback. Of the 31 species of widow spider, male sacrificial behaviour is only usually observed in redbacks and brown widows. A female redback. Of the 31 species of widow spider, male sacrificial behaviour is only usually observed in redbacks and brown widows. Spiders Male redback spiders invite cannibalism through a ‘self-sacrificial somersault’ during sex – but why? New research sheds light on the genetic basis of the venomous insect’s ‘weird mating behaviour’
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