Praying Mantis: Female praying mantises are infamous for consuming their mates during or after mating. This behavior, known as sexual cannibalism, occurs in some species and is thought to provide nutritional benefits to the female or increase her reproductive success.
Black Widow Spider: Female black widow spiders are known to occasionally eat their male partners after mating. This behavior is believed to provide the female with nutrients to support her developing eggs.
Spotted Hyena: Spotted hyenas are known to exhibit cannibalistic behavior, including eating the remains of deceased pack members. While not common, there have been instances where hyenas have been observed consuming the remains of their mates.
Redback Spider: Similar to black widow spiders, female redback spiders have been observed consuming their male partners after mating. This behavior is believed to increase the female's chances of reproductive success.
Primates: In some primate species, such as chimpanzees and lions, infanticide can occur, where males kill the offspring of rival males to increase their own reproductive success. While not direct cannibalism of mates, this behavior can indirectly affect mating dynamics within the group.
Scorpionflies: Some species of scorpionflies exhibit sexual cannibalism, where females consume males during or after mating. This behavior may provide nutritional benefits to the female or act as a form of mate choice.
Garden Snails: Some species of garden snails are hermaphroditic, meaning they possess both male and female reproductive organs. During mating, each snail transfers sperm to the other, but in some cases, one snail may consume the other after mating.
Primates: In some primate species, such as marmosets and tamarins, infanticide can occur, where males kill the offspring of rival males to increase their own reproductive success. While not direct cannibalism of mates, this behavior can indirectly affect mating dynamics within the group.