Not so, however, with a tiny water bug off the coast of Australia called the Zeus bug. The male of this species gets a free ride, literally. You see, the male Zeus bug is about half the size of the female Zeus bug. He travels around piggy-back in a little hollow on the female’s back; it appears that the hollow could have been made for him. The female doesn’t seem to have a problem with this. In fact, as long as he’s on her back, which may last up to a week, she feeds him. She does this by secreting a protein-rich wax from a gland near her head. During this time the two mate. The only advantage scientists predict this arrangement provides the female is that securing one male for extended pair of time may save her energy of having to deal with suitor after suitor harassing her. The male, in turn, ensures that his genes are passed on rather than those of a rival Zeus male.