Well, If Ya Gotta Die...

...might as well do it in a blaze of glory:

A new study suggests that some species of marsupials mate with such vigour and intensity that it quite literally kills them.

The scientists say that male Antechinus die in large numbers after mating with as many partners as possible in sex sessions lasting up to 14 hours at a time.

The males attempt to mate with as many females as possible in long, laborious bouts, driven by high levels of hormones including testosterone.

Here's a pic of the little love rat:

Me So Hoooorny!