Notes on gestation periods and litter size in the arenicolous buthid scorpion Leiurus quinquestriatus (Ehrenberg, 1828) (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

The following notes on gestation periods and litter size in seven specimens of Leiurus quinquestriatus are presented as observational data. Specimens of Leiurus quinquestriatus from southern Egypt and southern Israel were mated in the laboratory during 2007; afterwards, gestation periods and litter sizes of all females were recorded. Previous studies on this species reported that the gestation period ranged from 150 to 155 days and that litter size was between 12 and 99 offspring. In the present study, gestation periods in specimens from both geographic regions varied from 155 to 227 days and litter sizes were between 35 and 87 offspring. The current contribution expands on previously published data on gestation periods and supports previously reported litter size in Leiurus quinquestriatus.(AU)

Frequency of spermatophore production and regeneration in the males of Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus Pocock, 1897 (Scorpiones, Buthidae)

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.(AU)

Notes and observations on courtship and mating in Tityus (Atreus) magnimanus Pocock, 1897 (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

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.(AU)