The act of a female praying mantis consuming the male during or after mating is a phenomenon known as sexual cannibalism. This behavior, while seemingly gruesome, occurs in a significant portion of praying mantis species. Not all encounters result in the female preying on the male, and the frequency varies depending on environmental conditions, species, and the individual mantises involved. For instance, in some species, it is a rare occurrence, while in others, it is a more common aspect of their reproductive cycle.
Sexual cannibalism in praying mantises is hypothesized to provide several potential benefits. One prominent theory suggests that it provides the female with a readily available source of nutrients, specifically protein, that can be allocated to egg production. This nutritional boost can lead to the production of larger egg cases or a greater number of viable offspring. Furthermore, some research indicates that a decapitated male may actually continue to copulate, and perhaps even fertilize more eggs, suggesting a reproductive advantage despite the lethal outcome. The historical context is that scientists have observed and documented this behavior for decades, leading to various hypotheses about its evolutionary origins and function.
