Mating and Reproduction
Mating in scorpions begins with a process known as “promenade à deux” in which the male first approaches the female and grasps her pedipalp with his own pedipalp. They then proceed with a form of dance which lasts several minutes. During this time, ejection of a spermatophore is being prepared. In addition, a suitable substrate upon which to deposit the spermatophore must be found by the male. After ejection of the spermatophore, the male positions the female so that her genital pore is directly over it and can go down and take it in (Lourenco 72-73). After the transfer is complete, both scorpions may either depart normally, or the female, if overly aggressive, will sometimes kill and eat the male. There are also a few species known to have parthenogenetical reproductive abilities, including Tityus serrulatus (http://bellsouthpwp.net/E/u/Eurypterid/infopages/reproduction.htm).
After fertilization, the young begin to develop inside the mother's body in the ovariuterus, or in small pockets that grow out from it. The young are nourished with secretions of nutrients into the ovariuterus either from being directly absorbed by outer tissues or from secretory glands which the embryos are orally attached to. The gestation period can range anywhere from 2 to 18 months, depending on the family. At the end of gestation, the female gives birth to all live young (http://bellsouthpwp.net/E/u/Eurypterid/infopages/reproduction.htm). The mother exhibits parental care by carrying her first instar young on her back during the duration of the instar (Benton abstract).
After fertilization, the young begin to develop inside the mother's body in the ovariuterus, or in small pockets that grow out from it. The young are nourished with secretions of nutrients into the ovariuterus either from being directly absorbed by outer tissues or from secretory glands which the embryos are orally attached to. The gestation period can range anywhere from 2 to 18 months, depending on the family. At the end of gestation, the female gives birth to all live young (http://bellsouthpwp.net/E/u/Eurypterid/infopages/reproduction.htm). The mother exhibits parental care by carrying her first instar young on her back during the duration of the instar (Benton abstract).