Male redback spiders invite cannibalism through a ‘self-sacrificial somersault’ during sex – but why?

Why This Matters

Key context: <p>New research sheds light on the genetic basis of the venomous insect’s ‘weird mating behaviour’</p><ul><li><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/live/2026/aug/12/australia-politics-live-question-time-anthony-albanese-angus-taylor-coalition-andrew-bragg-housing-construction-immigration-one-nation-pauline-hanson-gambling-melon-gift-japan-ndis-ntwnfb">Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates</a></p></li><li><p>Get our <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/email-newsletters?CMP=cvau_sfl">breaking news email</a>, <a href="https://app.adjust.com/w4u7jx3">free app</a> or <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/series/full-story?CMP=cvau_sfl">daily news podcast</a></p></li></ul><p>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.</p><p>Male redbacks appear to invite this cannibalism through a “self-sacrificial somersault”, with new research shedding light on the genetic basis of the behaviour.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/aug/12/male-redback-spiders-invite-cannibalism-through-a-self-sacrificial-somersault-during-sex-but-why">Continue reading...</a> This development from The Guardian highlights ongoing changes in the sector.