Previous studies of crickets’ behaviour examined them in a lab setting, where males acted towards other males and mates alike. In the wild, however, males still brawled with rivals. But they formed long-term relationships by protecting, not dominating, their partners. So why guard his gal? A gentlemanly cricket fosters a longer relationship, with more mating and more offspring. So chivalry may not be dead -- but it’s not entirely altruistic either.