Development and reproduction in two species of Tityus

Michael Seiter has recently published a paper investigating the juvenile instars and reproductive biology of the two neotropical species Tityus confluens Borelli, 1899 and T. ocelote (Francke & Stockwell, 1987) (Buthidae).

Main results are available in the abstract below, but I will mention that this work confirms parthenogenesis (and no males for three generations) for Tityus confluens.

Abstract:
The life cycle and postembryonic development of Tityus confluens Borelli, 1899 and Tityus ocelote (Francke & Stockwell, 1987) are for the first time described. The duration of embryonic development was estimated to range from 86 to 184 (N = 11) days in T. confluens and 68 to 72 (N = 4) days in T. ocelote. The molts between juvenile instars and adult stage took place at the average ages of 5, 38, 106 and 157 days in T. confluens and 4, 60, 62 and 97 days in T. ocelote. Compared with other species of the family Buthidae in the same range of size the figures are similar. The morphometric growth factor (Dyar’s constant) are higher than those observed for other scorpions of the genus Tityus of the same size. Parthenogenesis is confirmed for T. confluens based on captive bred females raised in isolation since offspring (N = 156). No males were observed over a period of 3 generations.

Reference:
Seiter M. Developmental stages and reproductive biology in Tityus confluens borelli, 1899 and Tityus ocelote (Francke & Stockwell, 1987) (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Revista Iberica de Arachnologia. 2012 (21):113-8.

Thanks to Michael Seiter for sending me his paper!