Praying mantis cannibalism explained

(FILES) This file photo taken on February 17, 2016 shows a Mantis Religiosa, most commonly known as a Praying Mantis, on an apple in the Israeli Mediterranean coastal city of Netanya on February 17, 2016. The Mantis Religiosa is an insect from the Mantidae family and it is one of the most well-known and widespread species of the order Mantodea, the Mantis. / AFP PHOTO / JACK GUEZ

PARIS: When a female praying mantis bites the head off her sexual partner, it is probably not out of anger.

According to a study published Wednesday, the mantis’ proclivity for devouring her mate may have evolved to better provide for her offspring.