Seasonal changes in the ovariuterus of female Scorpio maurus fuscus (Scorpiones; Scorpionidae), and the effect of higher temperature

Changes in the ovariuterus of Scorpio maurus fuscus during the period of one year, and under stressful thermal conditions, are described. The ovariuteri of most females in the population contained 1 generation of large, embryonic diverticulae (Ed) and variable numbers of small, bud-like rudimentary diverticulae (Rd) belonging to 3–5 generations. Most females contained 1 or 2 generations of degenerated (Dd), post-partum diverticulae, but some, probably virgins, lacked them. The latter females were significantly (P<0.05) smaller than the others. They also contained a significantly higher (P<0.0001) number of Rd than is usually found in the other females. Embryonic diverticulae (Ed) of females with 1 generation of Dd (Dd₁) were significantly longer (P<0.05) than Ed of females with 2 generations of Dd (Dd₁+Dd₂). The numbers and dimensions of the various diverticulae changed during the year. Under stressful thermal condition, the total number of Dd increased, and these were considerably longer than those observed under normal ambient conditions.