Centipede mother allows her babies to eat her for nourishment, a rare behavior known as matriphagy
What is Matriphagy?
Matriphagy is a behavior in some animals where the offspring (babies) eat their mother. This might sound shocking, but it’s a natural process in certain species, especially among some spiders, insects, and other small creatures. The mother sacrifices her body to provide food and nutrients to her young, helping them grow stronger and survive. This behavior ensures that the babies have a better chance of living, especially when food is scarce.
Here’s a detailed explanation in simple words:
- Why does it happen?
- In some species, the mother’s main goal is to ensure her babies survive. After laying eggs or giving birth, the mother may be weak or close to dying naturally. Instead of letting her body go to waste, she allows her babies to eat her, providing them with essential nutrients like proteins and fats.
- This act gives the young a head start in life, making them stronger and more likely to survive in tough environments.
- Which animals practice matriphagy?
- Spiders: Some spider species, like the Amaurobius ferox (a type of wolf spider), are well-known for matriphagy. After the spiderlings (baby spiders) hatch, the mother encourages them to eat her body.
- Other insects: Certain types of beetles, ants, and other small creatures also show this behavior.
- Rare cases: Some amphibians and other animals may also exhibit similar behaviors, but it’s most common in spiders and insects.
- How does it happen?
- In some cases, the mother actively encourages her babies to eat her. For example, in some spiders, the mother produces special eggs or secretions that attract the babies to feed on her.
- In other cases, the babies instinctively start consuming the mother’s body after she dies naturally or becomes too weak to move.
- The process is gradual. The babies may start by eating parts of the mother’s body, and eventually, they consume most or all of her.
- Why is it important?
- Survival: The mother’s body provides a rich source of food, which is critical when the babies are too young to hunt or find food on their own.
- Energy boost: The nutrients help the babies grow faster and develop stronger bodies.
- Evolutionary advantage: This behavior has evolved in some species because it increases the chances of the offspring surviving, passing on the mother’s genes.
- Is it cruel?
- From a human perspective, matriphagy might seem harsh or sad, but in the animal world, it’s a selfless act. The mother’s sacrifice is a natural part of the life cycle in these species, and it’s not driven by emotions like humans experience. It’s all about ensuring the survival of the next generation.
Examples of Matriphagy
- Stegodyphus spiders: In some species of these social spiders, the mother regurgitates food for her young and later allows them to eat her body completely.
- Amaurobius ferox: The mother lays a clutch of eggs, and after they hatch, she produces additional eggs for the spiderlings to eat. Eventually, they consume her body as well.
- Caecilians (amphibians): In some species of caecilians (legless amphibians), the mother allows her babies to eat the outer layer of her skin, which is rich in nutrients.
