Sexual cannibalism is a behavior in which one partner kills and eats the other partner, and in most cases, it is seen that females eat males. This kind of behavior is most common in insects, and many animals also perform such behavior. In this list, we mostly talk about praying mantis, widow spiders, and anacondas. The female generally kills and eats the male before mating, during mating, or after mating. The female does this to gain enough energy to prepare for egg production. The male’s only benefit is that its genes are transferred to the next generation.
We generally observe human behavior, and studying only human behavior is already confusing. When we go deeper into the animal kingdom and look at what insects and animals are doing around us, we see certain behaviors that are truly unbelievable. Killing and eating a partner sounds shocking, and one may wonder how and why anyone would do that. However, this behavior is not rare.
It is one of the most common behaviors shown by many insects, and this kind of behavior can also be seen in many amphibians and reptiles. The anaconda is sometimes known for this behavior, and they do this for energy storage. By doing so, they do not need to go anywhere in search of food and can survive for a long time without eating. This is one of the most widely accepted reasons why these living beings show such behavior.
This can happen before mating, when a partner comes near, or during the mating process, or even after it. The main reason behind this behavior is the need for energy for the period they are going to go through. In most cases, the only benefit for the male is that its genetic material is passed on to the next generation.
Insects Showing Sexual Cannibalism
- Praying Mantis
- Females often eat males before, during, or after mating.
- The behavior provides nutrients for egg production.
- Giant Asian Mantis (Hierodula spp.)
- Similar mating behavior to praying mantis species.
- Chinese Mantis (Tenodera sinensis)
- One of the most well-documented examples.
- Crickets
- Females sometimes attack and consume males after mating.
- Grasshoppers
- Rare, but cannibalism has been recorded during mating.
- Fruit Flies (Drosophila)
- Cannibalism may occur under extreme stress or food shortage.
Arachnids (Spiders & Scorpions)
- Black Widow Spider (Latrodectus spp.)
- Famous for females eating males after mating.
- Redback Spider (Latrodectus hasselti)
- Males may sacrifice themselves to increase mating success.
- Wolf Spiders
- Cannibalism occurs when the female is aggressive or hungry.
- Funnel-Web Spiders
- Sexual cannibalism has been observed in some species.
- Scorpions
- Rare, but documented in certain species.
Reptiles
- Anaconda (Green Anaconda – Eunectes murinus)
- Females may kill and consume males after mating for energy storage.
- Certain Snakes
- Cannibalism can occur opportunistically after mating.
Amphibians
- Salamanders (some species)
- Cannibalistic behavior observed under specific conditions.
- Frogs (rare cases)
- Cannibalism may occur due to size difference or stress.
Other Invertebrates
- Octopus (some species)
- Females may attack or kill males after mating.
- Squid (rare cases)
- Cannibalistic behavior recorded in stressful environments
