When a male praying mantis is on the female’s back – the position in which intact males have sex – he is safe from attack. However, getting to that position of safety is the problem, as females would much rather rip off the male’s head, causing his body to go into spasms that allow his genitalia to connect with hers. When he loses his head, the messages from the brain that inhibit sexual behaviour cease – and he turns into a sex fiend. He can copulate when there’s almost nothing of him left. And he has provided his partner with a substantial meal too.

Text adapted in part from Dr Tatiana’s Sex Advice to All Creation