Orb web spiderFLICKR, FILEDUMP
Cannibalism: a safe bet?
Only around 30 percent of male orb web spiders (Argiope bruennichi) survive their first act of mating because they are devoured by their mates. But new research published in Animal Behaviour suggests that it may be worth it for the boost in offspring health and survival.
In a mating experiment, female orb spiders were allowed to mate with one, two, or three males—to test if multiple mates boost offspring health—and half of each group was allowed to eat their mate during and after sex. Mating frequency had no effect on the health of offspring. However, all females who consumed their lover after copulation had bigger clutches with heavier eggs, both indicators of health and likelihood of survival.
The results may explain ...
