Female T's eating Male T's, but ON PURPOSE?!

[Braden]

Hey everyone! I was just watching the newest Dark Den youtube video(Mature Male appreciation video) and a thought came across my mind.
Are their any male tarantula species that after they have bred with a female, purposely get eaten by her after(I'm pretty sure some true spiders do this, like the black widow and some orb spiders). Just curious

 

[Liquifin]

There's always a chance a male tarantula will get eaten whether the chances are likely or slim, the risk is still there. That's why it's up to the breeder to make sure things can go as smoothly as possible by feeding the female to prepare for breeding and ensuring the male gets in and out fine. There's no set species where males get eaten as it's present in almost all tarantula species, although not "purposely".

Most of the times a male can get away, it's only a slim chance he won't. My male H. himalayana got eaten because he wasn't patient enough to lure out my girl and instead went into her burrow to get into position and got snacked.

 

[Braden]

Poor guy, thanks for the reply

 

[jrh3]

There's always a chance a male tarantula will get eaten whether the chances are likely or slim, the risk is still there. That's why it's up to the breeder to make sure things can go as smoothly as possible by feeding the female to prepare for breeding and ensuring the male gets in and out fine. There's no set species where males get eaten as it's present in almost all tarantula species, although not "purposely".

Most of the times a male can get away, it's only a slim chance he won't. My male H. himalayana got eaten because he wasn't patient enough to lure out my girl and instead went into her burrow to get into position and got snacked.

I wonder if there has been any studies done if it is actually beneficial to the female and her egg production when she eats the male?

 

[basin79]

I wonder if there has been any studies done if it is actually beneficial to the female and her egg production when she eats the male?

If nothing else it's a substantial meal.

I wonder whether a male has ever actually ate a female in the wild? I know it's happened in captivity but obviously things in captivity are very different.

 

[Royalty]

I wonder if it depends on the species as well. I have heard some are harder to breed than others.

In the wild it probably gives the female a better advantage of having a big meal before laying eggs. In captivity we can keep them well fed so I do not think it is needed.

 

[EpicEpic]

I mean....its not by mistake LOL

 

[TheDarkFinder]

(PDF) The Importance of Ecological and Phylogenetic Conditions for the Occurrence and Frequency of Sexual Cannibalism

PDF | Sexual cannibalism, the consumption of the male by the female before, during, or after mating, can be a striking example of sexual conflict with... | Find, read and cite all the research you need on ResearchGate

www.researchgate.net

Basically there are many factors. It is a good read for those that care.

 

[purplephilia]

OP you are talking about males willingly being eaten by females, right? I think people aren't getting that. Interesting thought.

 

[Matt Man]

I don't think it is willingly (I think they lack the mentality for that). I don't think they know better and are being driven into danger by their desire to breed. I think the consumption of males, may indeed help the Moms and we see it less because we feed our Ts lots, and mores when we are trying to breed.

 

[RezonantVoid]

Well its not like the females eat them accidentally

 

[Matt Man]

I always use them (and Mantis) as examples of how dumb men get when it comes to nookie "Dude, she's gonna eat you" "Yeah but I'm gonna get some!"

 

[EpicEpic]

OP you are talking about males willingly being eaten by females, right? I think people aren't getting that. Interesting thought.

They TRY to make an escape if given the chance. If that was the case....they wouldn't

 

[Matt Man]

I don't think MM Ts have been educated in Kamikaze tactics

 

[purplephilia]

They TRY to make an escape if given the chance. If that was the case....they wouldn't

We all know that. I think the OP was wondering if males ever "purposely" DON'T try to run away (like some true spiders do). I was just pointing out that people were misunderstanding the post.

 

[Braden]

I don't think it is willingly (I think they lack the mentality for that). I don't think they know better and are being driven into danger by their desire to breed. I think the consumption of males, may indeed help the Moms and we see it less because we feed our Ts lots, and mores when we are trying to breed.

What about instinct? They do lack the mentality, but could it be like programmed into the spiders brain?

 

[Arachnid Addicted]

Hey everyone! I was just watching the newest Dark Den youtube video(Mature Male appreciation video) and a thought came across my mind.
Are their any male tarantula species that after they have bred with a female, purposely get eaten by her after(I'm pretty sure some true spiders do this, like the black widow and some orb spiders). Just curious

Look, as far as I know they always try to escape from females. I dont think any male of any species will offer himself to a female. I mean, never seen any register about it. Interesting idea, though.

 

[Matt Man]

What about instinct? They do lack the mentality, but could it be like programmed into the spiders brain?

I am guessing the instinct to breed overpowers their instinct to survive
and like most dudes every one is thinking "Yeah, but I'm the one who's gonna make it"