Genetic determination
A male European praying mantis is smaller than his partner and she can literally make a meal of him. But he has to mate to pass on his genes so, in a gruesome embrace, her love bite is the last thing he knows. Even when she has eaten his head, he continues to mate as if nothing has happened. His sacrifice helps nourish his future offspring. Astonishingly, decapitation even improves his performance as a tiny brain in his rear, keeps him going. This macabre coupling can last a day. Even when his carcass is discarded, it doesn't give up readily.
Duration:
This clip is from
Featured in...
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Nature
Be captivated, informed and inspired by the world's wildlife.
More clips from Bizarre Breeding
-
Skincare
Duration: 01:01
-
Dying for sex
Duration: 01:43
-
Objects of desire
Duration: 02:24
-
Fish out of water
Duration: 02:12
More clips from Weird Nature
-
Skincare—Bizarre Breeding
Duration: 01:01
-
Dying for sex—Bizarre Breeding
Duration: 01:43
-
Happy hour—Peculiar Potions
Duration: 03:07
-
A liking for licking—Peculiar Potions
Duration: 01:28