Antechinus So Sublimus (8)

A school project about the Antechinus.

Here’s a dramatic rendition of Semelparity, or “suicidal reproduction,” a concept that seems to go against Nature (but doesn’t really, cuz whatever works, man).

First, let's get the relatively innocent facts out of the way. Mama Antechinuses keep their litter clinging to their stomachs, drawing them along the ground. Must get kinda squished, especially since they can have up to 8 other sibling in there with them.

Here, we see the Antechinus in mating season. It stops eating or drinking, starts losing hair to stress, and even becomes infected with necrotic tissue, only to ultimately perish. Man’s down stupendous.

Here, the incredibly skewed lifespan of the Antechinus is highlighted. While the males live only for 11 months (due to the, Y’know, suicidal reproduction and all that), females can live up to 3 years.

The average mating ground our lovers will share. Well, they mate underground, in burrows, but still.

Unlike most animals, male Antechinuses actually STOP producing sperm entirely one month before mating season. So this really is his last (and first, and only) chance to pass his genes on to the next generation of suicidal little horndogs.

Mating happens when the sun is highest overhead. Really sets the mood ig.

Because males really put EVERYTHING they have into mating, they try and get the maximum bang for their buck. Which means as soon as they’re done with one chick, they’re onto the next. No time for breaks or bonding or whatever. Again, down bad.