A male (top) and female golden orb-weaver in the genus Nephila.
Photo Credit: Zach Holmes, Alamy

When a male golden orb-weaver spider Nephila pilipes wants to get busy, he pulls out a special trick: He gives his mate a "back rub," new research shows.

For many spiders, females of the species are much bigger than the males—N. pilipes females are up to ten times larger—so mating is always a risky proposition. An unlucky suitor might get interrupted in his carnal embrace when a female kicks him off and eats him.

Male spiders have evolved multiple techniques to avoid this fate, at least before finishing the deed.