In one similar orb-web spider species that was studied, a male survives his first copulation depending on the duration of the genital contact: males that jump off early (before 5 seconds) have a chance of surviving, while males that copulate longer (greater than 10 seconds) invariably die. Prolonged copulation, although associated with cannibalism, enhances sperm transfer and relative paternity. So, you make your choice, and take the consequences.
Here a couple of close ups of the tiny male Golden-orb weaver spider.
