A praying mantis perched on a stone
Mating rituals in the animal kingdom can be a matter of life and death. While many males face threats from rivals, some encounter a more surprising danger: their own mates. Sexual cannibalism, the act of one partner consuming the other during or after mating, might seem gruesome, but it serves a strategic purpose for certain species. Let’s delve into the fascinating world of six animals that engage in this intriguing behavior.
Mantis
Why some animals eat their mates explained. Illustration of a mantis, octopus, and scorpion.
The praying mantis is perhaps the most iconic example of sexual cannibalism. Female mantises are significantly larger and stronger than their male counterparts. This size difference makes the males an easy target, especially during mating season when females release pheromones to attract them. While being devoured mid-courtship might seem counterintuitive, even a decapitated male mantis can continue the mating process due to nerve clusters in its abdomen. This act provides the female with essential nutrients to produce and lay her eggs, ensuring the survival of her offspring.
Black Widow
A black widow spider guards her egg sac in Little River Canyon National Preserve
Living up to its ominous name, the black widow spider is another creature known for occasional sexual cannibalism. Similar to mantises, female black widows dwarf their male counterparts in size. Males engage in a risky mating ritual, strategically cutting and altering the female’s web to mask her scent with their own. To mate, the male must maneuver itself precariously between the female’s fangs, leaving it vulnerable to becoming a post-coital snack. Interestingly, studies suggest that this behavior is less common in the wild and more prevalent in captivity.
Jumping Spider
A jumping spider perches on a green leaf
For male jumping spiders, finding a mate is a high-stakes performance. Female jumping spiders are incredibly selective and mate only once. To impress a potential partner, males engage in elaborate courtship displays, incorporating intricate dance moves and rhythmic vibrations produced by tapping their bodies. These vibrations create a unique “song” that the female senses. If the performance falls flat, the male risks becoming a meal instead of a mate.
Green Anaconda
A green anaconda coils its massive body
Green anacondas take mating competition to a whole new level with their “breeding balls.” Female anacondas, being polyandrous, attract numerous males who intertwine with them in a massive mating ritual. These breeding balls can last for weeks, during which the female mates with multiple partners. Given their enormous size and the energy required for their lengthy gestation period, female anacondas may consume one or more of their mates to replenish their energy reserves.
Scorpion
A scorpion on a plain background
Scorpions are fascinating creatures that invest significant time and energy in their offspring. Unlike most invertebrates, scorpions give birth to live young. This reproductive strategy demands even greater resources from the female. As a result, males who linger after mating might find themselves on the menu, providing the female with much-needed sustenance. In extreme cases, scorpion mothers might even resort to consuming their own offspring to survive.
Octopus
An octopus navigates a vibrant coral reef
Octopuses, renowned for their intelligence, also exhibit cannibalistic tendencies, particularly during mating. Male octopuses possess a specialized arm called a hectocotylus, which they use to transfer sperm packets to the female. After this perilous act of reproduction, the male often becomes a meal for his mate. Since many male octopuses die shortly after mating anyway, this practice provides the female with essential nutrients to care for her eggs. This cannibalistic behavior isn’t limited to mating, as octopus hatchlings might also consume each other.