The animal that bites while mating, according to the provided reference, is the praying mantis.
Praying Mantis Mating Behavior
The mating ritual of a praying mantis is unique, and often fatal for the male. Here’s what happens:
- A male praying mantis, excited by the prospect of mating, approaches a female.
- He begins to flap his wings and sway his abdomen.
- The male climbs onto her back and starts the mating process.
- During mating, the female may bite off the male's head.
This behavior is called sexual cannibalism and occurs in some species of praying mantises. It is important to note that not all female praying mantis engage in this behavior, but it is a commonly observed occurrence.
Why Do Praying Mantis Bite?
Several theories try to explain this unique mating behavior:
- Nutrient Source: The female may cannibalize the male to gain additional nutrients for the production of eggs.
- Increased Efficiency: Decapitation may allow the male to continue mating even without the brain’s influence, due to the fact that mantis sexual functions are mostly controlled by nerve centers in the abdomen.
- Female Choice: It could be a form of female selection, where females may favor males that are more likely to provide nutrients.
Other Instances of Biting During Mating
While praying mantises are a well-known example, some other insects, spiders, and even reptiles also engage in biting during mating in different contexts. However, in these other species, it may not always be fatal to the male.
Conclusion
The praying mantis is a prominent example of an animal that bites during mating. This unique behavior is often, but not always, fatal for the male.
