Received: May 6, 2008.

Accepted: August 14, 2008.

Abstract published online: August 28, 2008.

Full paper published online: February 28, 2009.

NOTES AND OBSERVATIONS ON COURTSHIP AND MATING IN Tityus (Atreus)magnimanus POCOCK, 1897 (Scorpiones: Buthidae)

Ross LK (1)

(1) Member of the American Arachnological Society, American Entomological Society and International Society of Arachnology.

ABSTRACT: 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.

KEY WORDS: scorpions, Buthidae, Tityus (Atreus)magnimanus, courtship, mating, promenade á deux, sperm transfer.

CONFLICTS OF INTEREST: There is no conflict.

CORRESPONDENCE TO:

LUCIAN K. ROSS, 6303 Tarnow, Detroit, Michigan 48210-1558, USA. Phone: +1 313 285-9336. Email: lucian.ross@yahoo.com.