Due to the chance that they may be eaten during or after copulation, male spiders use genital mutilation to increase their chances of successful mating. The male can increase his chances of paternity if the female's copulatory organs are blocked, which decreases sperm competition and her chances of mating with other males. In one study, females with mating plugs had a 75% lower chance of re-mating.
Due to the risk that they may be consumed during or after mating, male spiders employ genital mutilation to enhance their likelihood of successful copulation. The male can boost his paternity prospects by obstructing the female's reproductive organs, thereby reducing sperm competition and her chances of mating with other males. In one study, females with mating plugs exhibited a 75% lower propensity for re-mating.