Sex may be risky in Leiurus abdullahbayrami (clickbait title ;)

 

Mating is sometimes risky in many arachnids, also in scorpions. Often, the female may kill and devour the male in stead of mating with him. Scorpions have an advanced mating dance which sometimes includes sexual stings to reduce the risk of cannibalism, but in some cases mating attempts do not result in a happy ending for the male.

Rami Khashab published earlier this summer a case report with the first observation of sexual cannibalism in the medical important buthid Leiurus abdullahbayrami Yağmur, Koç & Kunt, 2009.

Abstract:
This study presents the first report of sexual cannibalism in the medically significant scorpion Leiurus abdullahbayrami Yağmur, Koç & Kunt, 2009, that was recorded during a herpetological field trip to the semi-desert area in northern Lebanon. It broadens the understanding of sexual cannibalism in scorpions and adds a new prey item to the dietary spectrum of the scorpion.

Reference:
Khashab R. First case of sexual cannibalism in Leiurus abdullahbayrami Yağmur, Koç & Kunt, 2009 (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from Lebanon. Euscorpius. 2025(416):1–4. [Open Access]

Does the cuticular wax layer in scorpions have a role in mate and sexual recognition in male Tityus pusillus?

 

Male and female scorpions need to be able to recognize each others and their "mood" to ensure safe and optimal mating. The mating dance in scorpions is well known and many studies have indicated that chemical substances are involved in mate and sexual recognition.

Hugo R. Barbosa-da-Silva and co-workers have recently published a study investigating the cuticular wax layer (CWL) involvement in mate and sexual recognition in the buthid Tityus pusillus Lourenço, 2013. The study found some evidence that CWL compounds were involved in sexual recognition, but there was noconfirmation that CWL compounds mediate mate recognition in this species. 

Abstract:
Hydrophobic compounds present in the cuticular wax layer (CWL) of terrestrial arthropods protect them from dehydration and are also involved in chemical communication. However, the role of CWL compounds in the behavioral ecology of scorpions has been studied less often, with most investigations focusing on their responses to mechanical stimuli. In this study, we aimed to characterize the CWL composition of Tityus pusillus (Scorpiones, Buthidae) and examine the influence of CWL solvent extracts and movement on intraspecific mate and sexual recognition by males of this species. We analyzed CWL hexane extracts of adult female and male T. pusillus by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). In paired behavioral tests inside an experimental arena, we exposed adult males to i) live and intact dead conspecific females; ii) intact dead females and females without the CWL (removed with solvent washes); and iii) intact dead males with and without the CWL. Our results showed that CWL extracts of both female and male T. pusillus contained a series of linear alkanes (C21 – C34; > 54 % relative composition), as well as fatty acyls (> 9.5 %) and methyl-branched alkanes (> 9.1 %). Two unassigned C31 monomethyl-branched alkanes were exclusively identified in male CWL extracts (~ 4.7 %), while female samples contained high relative concentrations (> 22.5 %) of sterol derivatives, present only as minor constituents in male samples. Male T. pusillus performed sexually-oriented behavioral acts when paired with both live and dead conspecific females, intact or without the CWL. However, they ignored conspecific dead males. Our results show that CWL compounds have a role in intraspecific sexual recognition by male T. pusillus but only the CWL compounds does not explain mate recognition.

Reference:
Barbosa-da-Silva HR, Pontes WJT, Lira AFA, Navarro DMAF, Salomão RP, Maia ACD. The role of intraspecific mechanical and chemical signaling for mate and sexual recognition in male Tityus pusillus (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Zoology. 2025;168:126235. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to André for sending me their article!

Using chemical cues to avoid intraguild predators and to find potential mates

 

It is well known that scorpions can detect and use chemical cues thanks to chemosensitive hairs on the pectins and on part of the pedipalps. Chemical cues can be used to discover and seek out conspecifics for mating, but also to avoid conspecifics or other scorpions that want to eat you (cannibalism is well documented in scorpions, often larger individuals preying on smaller and larger females may also kill and eat potential suitors).

Welton Dionisio-da-Silva and co-workers published earlier this summer a study of the use of chemical cues in the two Brazilian scorpions Bothriurus rochai Mello-Leitão, 1932 (Bothriuridae) and Jaguajir rochae (Borelli, 1910) (Buthidae). They tested the behavioral response to chemical cues from a heterospecific scorpion, and the response of male individuals (B. rochai and J. rochae) to chemical cues from conspecific females.

The study showed that smaller individuals avoided sites with the "smell" of larges individuals, whiles larger predators preferred the sites with the "smell" of smaller scorpions. In addition, males of both species trailed the chemical cues of females. 

According to the authors, this is the first evidence of a scorpion species detecting and hunting a heterospecific scorpion through chemical cues.

Abstract:
Chemical perception is essential among arthropods for mate recognition, prey search, and predator avoidance, especially for solitary predators which are often aggressive. Such mechanisms may be intensified in environments like the Caatinga, a seasonally dry tropical forest in Brazil, characterized by low habitat complexity and high seasonal variation. Thus, we investigated chemical perception between two scorpion species from this environment, involved in intraguild competition. Experiments assessed their response to chemical cues from prey, predators, and potential mates. We use Y-mazes to test the time spent by the scorpions between Y-arms with or without a given substrate-borne chemical cue (site preference) and the number of active individuals during trials (presence of activity). Scorpions’ activity was not influenced by chemical stimuli, although they clearly exhibit site preferences. The smaller predators avoided sites with the larger species’ chemical cues, while the larger predators preferred sites with the smaller species’ cues. Additionally, both species trailed female chemical cues. These findings suggest a dual-oriented arms race where prey and predator modulate their behaviour to avoid and hunt heterospecifics, respectively. This study provides the first evidence of a scorpion using chemical cues to detect a heterospecific scorpion and highlights the importance of this trait in arachnids.

References:
Dionisio-da-Silva W, Araujo Rocha-da-Silva KL, Veloso HMG, DaSilva MB. Hide and seek: chemical cues drive site preference among potential mates and intraguild competitors. Biological Journal of the Linnean Society. 2024:blae058. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Welton Dionisio-da-Silva for sending me their article!

 

Pushy scorpion boys get more scorpion girls

 

Sorry for the tabloid headline. ;)

Scorpion females have a greater investment in the offspring than males and because of this are selected to be more picky when it comes to allowing males to mate. And an unwilling scorpion female is no joke, she can both push and sting an unwanted male. 

Milena Moreira and co-workers recently published a study on the sexual receptivity of female Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 (Buthidae) from Brazil in respone to eager males' courtship attempts. As expected, the females generally behaved aggressive towards flirting males, but in spite of this, the persistence of the male had a positive effect in courtship probability. So "pushy" and males actually had a greater chances of successful mating. One theory that might explain the female behavior is that the ability to overcome the aggressive behavior of females can be an indication of the quality of males.

It has to be added that the willingness of the females also was linked to the reproductive season indicating that also environmental factors may play a significant role in the males' success. 

Abstract:
Due to the high reproductive investment, females are the decisive sex when making decisions about whether or not to reproduce. Generally, female scorpions display aggressive sexual behavior in response to male reproductive advances when they are not receptive. However, female receptivity can vary over time, depending on environmental factors favorable to reproduction Thus, the current study aimed to examine the correlation between the number of reproductive attempts by male Tityus pusillus scorpion and mating success over time, considering the female's behavioral response. Behavioral analyses were monthly conducted on 150 T. pusillus field-caught pairs over a five-month period. Our results indicate that despite females reacting aggressively to male advances, the persistence of the male has a positive effect in courtship probability. Furthermore, we observed variations in female behavior throughout the studied period, suggesting that female receptivity might be linked to the reproductive season. Therefore, environmental factors may play a significant role in regulating scorpion reproduction in Neotropical forests.

Reference:
Moreira MOM, Moura GJB, Lira AFA. Sexual receptivity of females on Neotropical scorpion Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 in response to male reproductive advances. Biologia. 2024; Published Online 30.04.24. [Open Access]

All you need to know about scorpion weapons and their function

 

Scorpions are armed with two types of weapons: their pedipalps with powerful pincers and their stinger which can inject an effective venom. These weapons are essential for the scorpion's survival and have three main functions: Prey capture, defense and sexual behavior. 

Yuri Simone and Arie van der Meijden have recently published an very thorough and interesting review on all aspects of the scorpion weapons. Here you will find all you need to know about our current knowledge on the scorpion's use of their pincers, sting and venom, how they work and how the originated. This is probably the most complete overview I have ever read on this topic and I recommend the article very much! 

Abstract:
Scorpions possess two systems of weapons: the pincers (chelae) and the stinger (telson). These are placed on anatomically and developmentally well separated parts of the body, that is, the oral appendages and at the end of the body axis. The otherwise conserved body plan of scorpions varies most in the shape and relative dimensions of these two weapon systems, both across species and in some cases between the sexes. We review the literature on the ecological function of these two weapon systems in each of three contexts of usage: (i) predation, (ii) defense and (iii) sexual contests. In the latter context, we will also discuss their usage in mating. We first provide a comparative background for each of these contexts of usage by giving examples of other weapon systems from across the animal kingdom. Then, we discuss the pertinent aspects of the anatomy of the weapon systems, particularly those aspects relevant to their functioning in their ecological roles. The literature on the functioning and ecological role of both the chelae and the telson is discussed in detail, again organized by context of usage. Particular emphasis is given on the differences in morphology or usage between species or higher taxonomic groups, or between genders, as such cases are most insightful to understand the roles of each of the two distinct weapon systems of the scorpions and their evolutionary interactions. We aimed to synthesize the literature while minimizing conjecture, but also to point out gaps in the literature and potential future research opportunities.

Reference:
Simone Y, Meijden Avd. Armed stem to stinger: a review of the ecological roles of scorpion weapons. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis. 2021;27. [Open Access]

Thanks to Yuri Simone for informing me about their article!

Sexual stings in scorpion courtship are not just rituals

 

Sexual stings during courtship is probably one of the most fascinating behavior in scorpions. This has been documented in many species, but so far it has not been proven the the male actually penetrate the skin of the female  and if venom is injected. Some authors have characterized this behavior as "a ritual". 

Laura Olguin-Perez and co-workers have recently published a very interesting study on sexual sting in Megacormus gertschi Diaz-Najera, 1966 (Euscorpiidae). The confirm that the male penetrate the female repeatedly in the pedipalp tibia-patella intersegmental membrane just before the promenade a deux part of the courtship starts. They also confirm for the first time that the male actually injects venom into the female during the sexual stinging. Interestingly, the authors also demonstrate that the venom composition in males and females differs.

The combination of these results provide evidence that the sexual sting in scorpion courtships are more than a ritualistic behavior, but seem to have a direct role to ensure a successful courtship and mating. More research is needed to unravel the proximate effects the male venom injection has on the females and their behavior against the male.

Abstract:
The males of the Mexican species Megacormus gertschi Diaz-Najera, 1966 (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae: Megacorminae) sting the female repeatedly in the pedipalp tibia-patella intersegmental membrane (TPIM) during the initiation of the promenade a deux. It has been suggested that the male’s venom introduced during this ‘‘sexual sting’’ behavior could generate some sedative effect and reduce the possibility of being cannibalized by the female. However, this is unsupported by evidence regarding venom transference. Here, we provide evidence of perforation of the TPIM by the male aculeus and venom transfer during sexual sting performance. We also provide the first venom characterization of this species and show that it has a sexually dimorphic composition. These results, in combination with observations that the sexual sting is displayed in successful matings with non-defensive females, lead us to consider the pre-insemination sexual stinging as a non-genitalic sexual interaction with a potential role as a courtship element.

Reference:
Olguin-Perez L, Francke OF, Carbajal-Saucedo A. Evidence of piercing and sexual differences in venom composition in a sexual stinging scorpion (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae). J Arachnol. 2021;49:98-107. [Open Access]

Thanks to Oscar Francke for sending me their article!

Female scent turns scorpion males on

The ability of males to find females and behave correctly is important in most animals, and especially in species where the individuals are solitary and aggressive,with females sometimes cannibalizing males. It is well known that male scorpions are able to detect previous presence of females by reacting to chemical substances left by the females (many of us have seen males "juddering" when standing on a substance where a female has previously visited).

Laís Pordeus and co-workers have recently published a study on Tityus pusillus Lourenço, 2013 (Buthidae) where they present evidence that males are changing their behavior in the presence of female scent and that the odor of the females also triggers courtship behavior in the males.

Abstract:

Recognizing conspecific individuals from other members of the community is important for many interactive behaviors, especially those involved in mate selection. We investigated whether male courtship behavior is triggered by chemical cues left by females on the substrate using the sedentary litter-dwelling scorpion Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893, which is a small and common species distributed throughout the northeast Atlantic Forest in Brazil. In experiments using 50 pairs, we tested whether males recognize females by detecting sex-specific chemicals on the substrate. All males changed their behavior, performing pre-courtship acts when exposed to female-specific chemicals on the substrate, but they did not change their behavior when exposed to a clean substrate lacking female-specific chemicals. These results show that the male T. pusillus alters its behavior in the presence of female chemical cues, suggesting that males recognize females by detecting compounds left on the substrate and that the presence of these chemicals trigger the courtship behavior of the male T. pusillus.

Reference:Pordeus LM, Lira AFA, Albuquerque CMR. Male courtship behavior is triggered by female chemical cues in the scorpion Tityus pusillus (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Can J Zool. 2019;97:1122-5. [Subscription required for full text]

Thanks to Laís Pordeus for sending me their article!

Mating in scorpions: Better condition = More successful reproduction?

Sexual selection often favors larger body size and/or greater weight in males. Larger males have better condition and are able to perform more impressive courtships, and because of this, will be more attractive for females. This may also be the case in scorpions.

Oliverio and co-workers have published a paper studying mating and courtship behavior in Bothriurus bonariensis (C.L. Koch, 1842) (Bothriuridae) and relating this to the size and body condition of both males and females.

The results showed that better condition (larger size) provided a mating advantage to males (e. g. larger males performed the mating dance quicker than smaller males) and that sexual selection is acting on courtship in B. bonariensis.

Abstract:
In most animal species, body condition has a fundamental role in fitness. In males, sexual selection generally favors larger body size or greater weight. This may result in males with better condition performing more vigorous courtships, and biasing female preferences. The effects of body condition on mating performance have been extensively studied in different animal groups. Among arachnids, scorpions are an interesting group for evaluating the effects of these sexual traits on mating performance, since they exhibit an ancient mode of indirect sperm transfer. Scorpion males deposit a single spermatophore on the soil to transfer the sperm to the females, and therefore, the production of spermatophores involves a high cost for them. In this study, we use the scorpion Bothriurus bonariensis as a model to evaluate different patterns of sexual behavior as a function of the body condition of both males and females. We found that males with a better body condition performed the mating dance stage more quickly than males with a lower condition. In addition, males performed the sexual sting behavior for a longer time with females in a better condition. Our results suggest that a better condition provides a mating advantage to males and represents an indicator of courtship performance. Given that female quality is usually correlated with fecundity, males mating with females with a better body condition probably have higher reproductive success.

Reference:
Olivero PA, Vrech DE, Oviedo-Diego MA, Mattoni CI, Peretti AV. Courtship performance as function of body condition in an ‘ancient’ form of sperm transfer. Animal Biology. 2019;69:33-46. [Open Access]

Thanks to Camilio Mattoni for sending me their article!

Sexual dimorphism and reproductive behavior in Tityus pusillus from Brazil

Behavior studies of scorpions are not that common and we still have much to learn about different types of scorpion behavior. Andre Lira and co-workers have now published a new study investigating the sexual dimorphism and reproductive behavior in Tityus pusillus Pocock, 1893 (Buthidae) from Brazil. They have mapped the different behavior components involved in reproduction in this species and have analyzed the sexual dimorphism present in T. pusillus. See abstract and article for further details.

Abstract:
We studied sexual dimorphism (SD) and reproductive behavior in the litter-dwelling scorpion, Tityus pusillus. SD was determined by measuring seven body structure attributes (prosoma, mesosoma, and metasoma lengths, and pedipalp chelae and metasomal segment V lengths and widths) in 634 individuals (211 males and 423 females) from the Arachnological Collection of the Universidade Federal de Pernambuco. Reproductive behavior was observed in 55 couples during nocturnal activity observations conducted in the laboratory. In addition, we evaluated gestation time, hemispermatophore replacement, and sequential courtship. Individuals of T. pusillus exhibited typical reproductive behavior, with a short courtship time (averaging 10 5 min). Males only accepted new partners at least 48 h after first mating, suggesting that this period may be necessary for hemispermatophore production. Females did not accept new partners for 24–48 h after their first mating. The average gestation period was 85 12 d, ranging 60–100 d. Our results showed a more complex picture of SD than previously described for this species, including features characteristic of both sexual size dimorphism (SSD) and sexual body component dimorphism in scorpions. In general, considering the relatively large size of the prosoma and mesosoma in T. pusillus, it seems reasonable to conclude that female-biased SSD exists in the species, and that male-biased sexual body component dimorphism is evident in the metasoma and chelae.

Reference:
Lira AF, Pordeus LM, Rego FN, Iannuzzi K, Albuquerque CMJIB. Sexual dimorphism and reproductive behavior in the Brazilian scorpion Tityus pusillus (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Invertebr Biol. 2018;137(3):221-30. [Subscritpion required for full text]

Thanks to Andre Lira for sending me their article!

Differences in mating behavior between two geographically separated populations of Bothriurus bonariensis

Paola Olivero and co-workers have recently published a study of the mating behavior of two allopatric populations of the Neptropical scorpion Bothriurus bonariensis (C.L. Koch, 1842) (Bothriuridae).

The authors found significant differences in mating patterns, including differences in the frequency and duration of important stimulatory courtship behaviors. Another interesting finding was that most inter-population matings were unsuccessful.

Abstract:
Courtship and mating behavior generally evolve rapidly in diverging populations and species. The adaptation to different environments may cause behavioral divergence in characteristics involved in matechoice. Our objective in this study was to compare the sexual behavior of two distant populations of thescorpion Bothriurus bonariensis. This species has a broad distribution in South America, inhabiting Central Argentina, Uruguay and south-eastern Brazil. It is known that in this species there is a divergence in morphological patterns (body size, coloration, allometry and fluctuating asymmetry indexes) among distant populations. Considering the differences in environmental conditions between localities, we compare the sexual behavior in intra-population and inter-population matings from Central Argentina and southern Uruguay populations. We found significant differences in mating patterns, including differences in the frequency and duration of important stimulatory courtship behaviors. In addition, most inter-population matings were unsuccessful. In this framework, the differences in reproductive behavior could indicate reproductive isolation between these populations, which coincides with their already known morphological differences. This is the first study comparing the sexual behavior of allopatric populations of scorpions; it provides new data about the degree of intraspecific geographical divergence in the sexual behavior of B. bonariensis.

Reference:
Olivero PA, Mattoni CI, Peretti AV. Differences in mating behavior between two allopatric populations of a Neotropical scorpion. Zoology (Jena). 2017; Article in Press. [Subscription required for full text]

Evidence of female pheromonal signaling in Paruroctonus utahensis

Those of us that have kept scorpions of both sexes have seen how males sometimes react quite strongly  when touching substrate that previously has been visited by a female. Matthew Taylor and co-workers have now published an interesting study presenting evidence for the existence of a highly stable female pheromone in Paruroctonus utahensis (Williams, 1968) (Vaejovidae) with low polarity. This is an important step in our understanding of how chemical communication guides male scorpion mate-searching behavior.

Abstract:
Behavioral evidence suggests that, in some scorpion species, females deposit a pheromone that attracts mates. To date, however, no pheromone has been identified. The goal of our study was to isolate a pheromone from female desert grassland scorpions, Paruroctonus utahensis (Williams, 1968) (Scorpiones:Vaejovidae). We took in situ cuticular washes from female P. utahensis in a chloroform-methanol solution; the extract stratified into aqueous and organic layers. In controlled laboratory experiments, most males exposed to female extract (aqueous and organic fractions combined) exhibited pre-courtship behavior, whereas those exposed to the solvent control (2:1 chloroform-methanol) showed no change in behavior. When extract fractions were separately tested, males initiated pre-courtship behavior when exposed to the organic fraction but not when exposed to the aqueous fraction. These data are the first experimental evidence of a  female pheromone in this species and are important early steps toward characterizing any scorpion pheromone.

Reference:
Taylor MS, Cosper CR, Gaffin DD. Behavioral evidence of pheromonal signaling in desert grassland scorpions Paruroctonus utahensis. J Arachnol. 2012;40(2):240-4. [Free full text]

Courtship and mating in Scorpiops luridus

Jiao & Zhu has studied courtship and mating in Scorpiops luridus Zhu, Lourenco & Qi, 2005 (Euscorpiidae) and have now published a description of the behavior components involved.

Abstract:
In the current work, the courtship and mating of Scorpiops luridus Zhu Lourenço & Qi, 2005 (Euscorpiidae) from Xizang province (Tibet), China, were studied for the first time in the laboratory. Most of the mating behaviors in Scorpiops luridus are not remarkably different from those exhibited by other scorpions. However, for the first time a male pulling a female with its chelicerae to rapidly accomplish the sperm uptake was observed. Additionally, the sexual stinging behavior displayed by the male occurred in the initial stage, not during the promenade stage as previously described in several scorpion species. Through observation and analysis, we speculate that venom injection during sexual stinging is selective, possibly relying on the status shown by the stung scorpion (passive or aggressive). In order to clearly describe the process of courtship and mating, both sequences are represented in a flow chart, while the main behavior components of these processes were identified, analyzed and discussed.

Reference:
Jiao GB, Zhu MS. Courtship and mating of Scorpiops luridus Zhu, Lourenco & Qi, 2005 (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) from Xizang Province, China. Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins. 2010;16(1):155-65. [Free fulltext]

Family Euscorpiidae

The reproductive biology of Heterometrus phipsoni

Zeeshan Mirza & Rajesh Sanap have studied the reproductive biology of the Indian scorpion Heterometrus phipsoni Pocock, 1893 (Scorpionidae) and a paper is now available describing mating and breeding of this species.

This paper will be of interest both to preofessionals studing scorpion behavior and to enthusiasts wanting to breed Heterometrus in captivity.

Abstract:
The present communication presents a detailed description of the breeding behavior of Heterometrus phipsoni exhibited under laboratory conditions. As also the studies include notes on gestation period, brood size and description of the post insemination spermatophore.

Reference:
Mirza ZA, Sanap R. Notes on the reproductive biology of Heterometrus phipsoni Pocock, 1893 (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Journal of Threatened Taxa. 2009;1 (9):488-90. [Free fulltext]

Family Scorpionidae

Courtship and mating in Heterometrus petersii

Jiao & Zhu has recently published a study on mating behavior and courtship in the Asian scorpion Heterometrus petersii (Scorpionidae). The study confirms most previously observed behavior components in other species (suggested readings: Polis & Sissom (1990), Benton (2001), Tallarovic et al. (2000) and Ross (2009)).

Heterometrus is a popular genus for captive breeding, and this paper is interesting for those that want to breed scorpions in this genus.

Abstract:
Courtship and mating in Heterometrus petersii (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae) was observed in the laboratory. In this paper the behavior components displayed in courtship and mating are identified, analyzed and discussed.

Reference:
Jiao G-B, Zhu MS. Courtship and mating in Heterometrus petersi (Thorell, 1876) (Scorpiones: Scorpionidae). Euscorpius. 2009; (84):1-5. [Free fulltext]

Suggested Readings:
Polis, G. A. & W. D. Sissom. 1990. Life history. Pp. 161–223 in G. A. Polis (ed.) The Biology of Scorpions. Stanford, CA: Stanford University Press.

Benton, T. G. 2001. Reproductive ecology. Pp. 288–294 in Brownell, P. H. & G. A. Polis (eds.) Scorpion Biology and Research. New York, NY: Oxford University Press.

Tallarovic, S. K., J. M. Melville & P. H. Brownell. 2000. Courtship and mating in the giant hairy desert scorpion, Hadrurus arizonensis (Scorpionidae, Iuridae). Journal of Insect Behavior, 13(6): 827–838.

Ross, L. K. 2009. Notes and observations on courtship and mating in Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus Pocock, 1897 (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases, 15(1):43–53.

Family Scorpionidae

Two new papers on the reproduction in Tityus magnimanus

My friend Luc Ross has now published two papers dealing on various aspects of the reproduction of the Venezuelan buthid Tityus magnimanus Pocock, 1897.

Abstracts:
The frequency of spermatophore production and the amount of time between matings for laboratory-reared males of Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus to regenerate spermatophores were examined. Males attain sexual maturity at the fifth or sixth instar (after a period of 137 to 155 days) and can produce initial spermatophores shortly after maturation. After mating, males can regenerate spermatophores within a single 24-hour period and remate. The present contribution represents the first report on an aspect of reproductive biology in this species and is part of a continuing study of the life history and post-embryonic development of Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus.

Courtship and mating behaviors of the scorpion Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus are herein described, consisting of various components that pertain to four distinct behavioral stages. The courtship and mating rituals of Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus are similar to those of other scorpions. Behavioral components are presented in an ethogram to demonstrate their occurrence during mating sequences. The current report is presented as observational data that were acquired during life history studies of this species.

Referenences:
Ross LK. Frequency of spermatophore production and regeneration in the males of Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus Pocock, 1897 (Scorpiones, Buthidae). Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases. 2009 2009;15 (1):157-62.

Ross LK. Notes and observations on courtship and mating in Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus Pocock, 1897 (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Journal of Venomous Animals and Toxins Including Tropical Diseases. 2009 2009;15 (1):43-53.

Family Buthidae