Sexual Cannibalism in Female Anacondas

Yes, it’s true—and it’s one of the most intense and brutal mating behaviors in the animal kingdom.

Female anacondas, particularly green anacondas (Eunectes murinus), are known to cannibalize their mates after copulation. This behavior, called sexual cannibalism, is rare among vertebrates but does occur in some species, especially where the female is significantly larger than the male—as is the case with anacondas, where females can be up to five times the size of males.

After mating, the female may consume the male, gaining a rich source of protein and fat. This makes evolutionary sense: female anacondas **do not eat at all during their roughly seven-month gestation period, and producing dozens of live young is metabolically demanding. By consuming the male, she’s essentially recycling his biomass into energy for developing embryos—a brutal but efficient strategy.

Interestingly, sexual cannibalism in anacondas is not guaranteed, but it’s common enough that scientists consider it a strategic reproductive adaptation. For males, the risk is massive, but successful mating before becoming a meal ensures their genetic legacy.

In nature, survival and reproduction often involve ruthless trade-offs—and the anaconda’s world is a stark reminder of that.

Meanwhile, Did you know that...

The tuatara is a unique reptile that is often compared to lizards. It is found only in New Zealand and has some fascinating features. One of the most interesting things about the tuatara is that it has what is called a third eye. This special organ sits on the top of its head and can sense light.

This third eye doesn’t work like the normal eyes we see; instead, it helps the tuatara detect changes in light and helps it be aware of its surroundings. Scientists believe this organ may have been useful for the tuatara’s ancestors millions of years ago when they needed to escape from predators or find the best time to be active.

Despite the tuatara looking like a lizard, it belongs to a group of reptiles that have existed for a very long time. They are often called living fossils because they have changed very little over millions of years. Today, the tuatara is a symbol of New Zealand’s unique wildlife and is protected to ensure its survival in the wild.

Lastly, 

As coral reefs die at alarming rates, scientists at the Max Planck Institute have created a revolutionary solution: soft, jellyfish-shaped robots that move silently through the sea—healing damaged reefs as they go.

Made from soft polymers and powered by quiet hydraulics, these biomimetic drones avoid harming marine life. They can identify damaged coral, plant larvae, and transport tiny organisms to regrow ecosystems.

Some are even solar-powered, operating autonomously for weeks—like gentle underwater gardeners.

In a world where reefs are collapsing due to warming, acidification, and pollution, these robotic jellyfish might just become the silent heroes of the ocean.