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’

• Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates

• Get our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcast

If you think you’ve had a bad one-night stand, spare a thought for the male redback spider, whose sole reproductive partner eats him after sex.

Male redbacks appear to invite this cannibalism through a “self-sacrificial somersault”, with new research shedding light on the genetic basis of the behaviour.

Continue reading...

from World news | The Guardian https://ift.tt/omvrZJR
via IFTTT