🕷️
Voluntary Cannibalism
Male redback spiders actively somersault into the female's fangs during mating — being eaten doubles their paternity success.
Redback Spider
Latrodectus hasselti
Male redback spiders have evolved a shocking mating strategy that involves willing self-sacrifice.
Vital Stats
🏷️ TypeArachnid (widow spider)
🌍 Found InAustralia — urban areas, sheds, outdoor toilets, gardens
📏 SizeFemales: 10mm body | Males: 3-4mm body
⏳ LifespanFemales: 2-3 years | Males: 6-7 months
🔞 Sexual MaturityMales: 3-4 months | Females: 4-6 months
💕 Mating SystemMale sacrifices himself during mating to increase paternity
📅 Mating SeasonWarmer months (spring-summer in Australia)
👶 OffspringFemales can store sperm; lay 10 egg sacs, 250 eggs each
🍆 Penis Size5.0 mm
⏱️ Sex Duration30 minutes
🔬 Notable AnatomyMales somersault into female's jaws during mating; cannibalized males mate longer, fertilize more eggs
⚖️ Sexual DimorphismExtreme — females 100x heavier than males