Received: May 6, 2008.

Accepted: August 14, 2008.

Abstract published online: August 28, 2008.

Full paper published online: February 28, 2009.

FREQUENCY OF SPERMATOPHORE PRODUCTION AND REGENERATION IN THE MALES OF 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: The frequency of spermatophore production and the amount of time between matings for laboratory-reared males of ityus (Atreus)magnimanus to regenerate spermatophores were examined. Males attain sexual maturity at the fifth or sixth instar (after a period of 137 to 155 days) and can produce initial spermatophores shortly after maturation. After mating, males can regenerate spermatophores within a single 24-hour period and remate. The present contribution represents the first report on an aspect of reproductive biology in this species and is part of a continuing study of the life history and post-embryonic development of ityus (Atreus)magnimanus.

KEY WORDS: scorpions, Buthidae, ityus (Atreus)magnimanus, courtship, mating, spermatophores, 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.