Why does this spider bite off its GENITALS after sex? Scientists have just found out
The unfortunate coin spider chews off its manhood after lovemaking in a bizarre act that has puzzled experts for generations
As routines go, it's one of nature's strangest – and most eye-watering.
It's puzzled arachnid experts for years and it seems to defy all logic - but the coin spider isn't changing for anybody.
So when the male spider has done its bit for making babies the next step is always the same - it bites off its own genitals.
Experts could never put their finger on this evolutionary peculiarity - until now.
Because brainboxes reckon the tear-inducing chomp makes the eight-legged love machine lighter on its feet - and better equipped to keep rivals at bay from its newly-impregnated missus.
The same batch of eggs can be fertilised by several males - so fighting off would-be mates is the only way the fired-up creeply crawly can continue its legacy.
And for an added safeguard, the spider SNAPS OFF part of his manhood to block the route to the female's reproductive organs.
Researcher Majaz Kuntner, from the Slovenian Academy of Sciences and Arts, said: "The small spider male only produces enough sperm to fertilise the eggs of a single large female.
"Since he faces huge competition from other males, he chooses to monopolise a female by mutilating his genitals in the female genitals, thereby blocking access.
"He then chews off his mutilated organs, in order to become lighter and more agile, and defend his female better."
The study was published in the journal Behavioural Ecology and Sociobiology.
0 comments:
Post a Comment