THE COURTSHIP AND MATING OF THE SCORPION, <i>OPISTHOPHTHALMUS LATIMANUS</i>

Abstract

Summary. The courtship and mating of the scorpion, Opisthophthalmus latimanus , are described. In normal courtship the male initially grasps the female with his claws and then grips her chelicerae with his own, relinquishing his hold upon her pedipalps. In this position the animals perform a “promenade à deux”. It is suggested that one function of the “promenade” is concerned with obtaining a clear area suitable for the deposition of a spermatophore. The male deposits a spermatophore on the ground and pulls the female over it, so that part of the spermatophore enters her genital aperture. The pair then remain still for about five minutes; then they break apart. The events accompanying unsuccessful courtship are described and suggestions are made as to the origin or significance of certain aspects of the behaviour pattern. The similarity between the mechanism of insemination of this scorpion and the pseudoscorpions is considered.