The influence of the quantity of food on fecundity in the desert grassland scorpion (Paruroctonus utahensis) (Scorpionida, Vaejovidae): An experimental test

Abstract

Females of the desert grassland scorpion Paruroctonus utahensis were maintained in field enclosures and fed differing amounts of food. The number of young scorpions per female varied from 0 to 32. The mean weight of second-instar young varied significantly among broods. The number of young, the size of the young, and total brood weight were not related to adult female size. There were no significant relationships between any of the brood characteristics and the amount of food eaten by the mother during the 11 month gestation. This suggests that foraging success is not an important proximate factor influencing fecundity in Paruroctonus utahensis.