In dark fishing spiders, males’ postmating nap is permanent
Species prepares for two pairings but goes into a fatal coma after a single encounter
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.sciencenews.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/sm_image001_0.jpg?fit=860%2C460&ssl=1)
FIRST AND ONLY A male dark fishing spider (right) self-destructs during his first and only mating experience. He spontaneously collapses into a dead-spider position though his sperm-delivery organ still connects him with a female.
S.K. Schwartz