Sexing Guidelines

Obvious Differences

Preliminary Sexing of Euscorpius flavicaudis

The above diagram illustrates the typical differences between adult male and female European scorpions of approximately the same size (see the Photograph Gallery for real-life photos of adult pincers).

Notice the notch in the male's pincer. This is a very good indicator and is usually reliable, although sometimes a large mature adult female may also appear to have a slight interior dent in her pincer, like a "false notch". The male uses the notch when holding the female during mating, to lock his grasp securely.

Males tend to have larger pincers.

Females often have broader bodies.

Unfortunately, these characteristics tend to be obvious only in adult specimens.

Pectines

A more accurate method is to look at the pectines (comb-like apendages) on the underside of the body, located centrally. These tend to be angled to point outwards and towards the tail.

In males these are longer with more "bristles". In females they can be quite short and have fewer bristles. As European scorpions are so small it can be difficult to even see these organs clearly with the naked eye.

Once you have been able to see these obvious differences between males and females, it becomes quite easy to determine the sex of an adult European scorpion. Juveniles are another matter, with more of a "wait and see" approach!

 
©  Copyright 2004   Gary J. Drew