tech
Male redback spiders invite cannibalism through a ‘self-sacrificial somersault’ during sex
New research sheds light on the genetic basis of the venomous arachnid’s ‘weird mating behaviour’
TL;DR
- Male redback spiders perform a 'self-sacrificial somersault' during mating, which can lead to them being cannibalized by the female.
- This behavior is thought to maximize reproductive success by ensuring the male transfers sperm to both of the female's storage organs.
- New research indicates that the somersaulting behavior has a simple genetic basis, linked to a specific location on the spider's X chromosome.
- Unlike redbacks, closely related New Zealand katipō spiders do not engage in sexual cannibalism.
- Interbreeding between invasive redbacks and native katipō in New Zealand is a concern, potentially threatening the survival of the endemic species.