Study On Prey Capture, Courtship And Mating Behaviors In Heterometrus Petersii And Scorpiops Luridus

Prey capture, courtship and mating in Heterometrus petersii from Tay Ninh Province, Vietnam and Scorpiops luridus from Xizang province, China were studied in laboratory for the first time, from which we can draw some conclusions. Firstly, both prey capture sequence between Heterometrus petersii and Scorpiops luridus and behaviors displayed by the two scorpions during prey capture were similar. A quicker prey capture sequence involved orienting toward the prey, successful grasping, manipulating the prey, and on-site ingestion of captured prey. Secondly, cleaning behaviors displayed by Heterometrus petersii and Scorpiops luridus were observed prior to and after ingestion of preys. Cleaning behaviors can reduce or remove the effect of substances from environment on sense organs, resume sensing capability on surroundings and then correctly react on the environments in time. Thirdly, courtship and mating sequence was similar, but some mating behaviors displayed during courtship and mating between Heterometrus and Scorpiops were remarkablely different. Chelicerae pulling behavior displayed by the male of Scorpiops luridus was firstly observed in mating history of scorpion.During indoor breeding, observations on daily activity, drinking, ecdysis and brood care behaviors in Heterometrus petersii were firstly conducted. Also, cleaning behaviors diaplayed by Heterometrus and Scorpiops during daily acticity and displayed by Mesobuthus eupeus, M. caucasicus and Scorpiops pococki during prey capture were observed and noted.Through laboratory research and observation, we can enrich the theoretical knowledge on scorpion behaviors. With the help of theoretical knowledge, death rate of scorpions during breeding can be decreased. Plenty of scorpions from breeding therefore can be supplied for future research and use.