SCORPION MATING

Scorpion mating is a fascinating and complex process that involves unique courtship behaviors.

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1. Recognition:

• Male and female scorpions recognize each other through pheromones or vibrations.

• In captivity, the male should be introduced to the female.

• Once the male identifies a potential mate, he approaches cautiously and starts to shake, he does this to notify the female of his presence so he it not mistaken as a threat.

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2. Courtship Dance (Promenade à Deux):

• The male initiates a “mating dance” by grasping the female’s pincers with his own.

• They engage in a ritualistic movement where the male leads the female back and forth.

• This process can last anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

• In some cases, when the female is larger than the male, he may deliver a mild sting, injecting a small dose of venom to subdue her slightly and facilitate maneuvering during mating.

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3. Spermatophore Deposition:

• The male searches for a solid surface, such as a rock or the ground, to deposit his spermatophore (a sperm-containing capsule).

• In captivity, this can be replicated by using a flat piece of stone in the enclosure.

• He maneuvers her over the spermatophore for her genital opening aligns with it.

• The female picks up the spermatophore, completing fertilization.

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4. Post-Mating Behavior:

• After mating, the pair separates. In some cases, if the female becomes aggressive, the male may retreat quickly to avoid being attacked.

 

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Reproduction

• Scorpions are viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young.

• After a gestation period (which can range from several months to over a year,
depending on the species), the female gives birth to 1–100 offspring, depending on the species.

• Newborn scorpions, called scorplings, climb onto their mother’s back immediately

after birth for protection.

 

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Parental Care

• The mother provides protection for her young until their first molt.

• The mother needs to be fed pre-killed feeders while she is carrying her young

• After birth, scorplings break out of their membrane, but still carry internal yolk reserves
from the embryonic stage which can provide essential nutrients and moisture.

• After the molt, the scorplings leave to fend for themselves.

• Some species of scorpion are very attentive to their young after the first molt, others may try to eat the babies.

 

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Interesting Facts

• Scorpion mating is often risky for the male, as females are larger and may attack if threatened.

• The mating dance is unique to scorpions and varies between different species.

• Some scorpions can delay fertilization for months, allowing them the time to birth in more
favorable environmental conditions.

 

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