THE REPRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL AND STRATEGY OF SCORPIO-MAURUS FUSCUS (SCORPIONES, SCORPIONIDAE) - ANATOMICAL CLUES IN THE OVARIUTERUS

The reproductive potential of scorpions is difficult to assess since s everal stages of their life histories cannot be clarified under natura l conditions. The female's age when she first reproduces, the frequenc y of parturitions, litter size, and longevity cannot be known with acc uracy. A new approach to such questions is suggested, whereby clues in the female's ovariuterus can be used to shed some light on previous a nd forthcoming litter sizes. The ovariuterus of a female scorpion is u nique among invertebrates in that past and forthcoming parturitions ca n be traced in its structure. Degenerated post-partum diverticulae and the scars remaining after these have been completely resorbed indicat e past parturitions, whereas young rudimentary diverticulae provide an estimate for future generations. It is estimated that Scorpio maurus fuscus (Scorpionidae), matures in its second year, and first reproduce s when 3 years old. Ovariuterus structure shows that it can have at le ast four and perhaps up to eight litters. If parturition takes place e very year this would imply that a female scorpion can reach a minimum age of 6 years or perhaps up to 10 years. Evidence based on population analysis of females indicates that it is unlikely that all females re produce in consecutive years; more probably they reproduce every other year. Thus, longevity may reach 9 years and perhaps as much as 17 yea rs.