[xVOWx]

So, I got some Tityus silvestris today. Six total with two of them being an instar ahead of of the others. The curious thing about this is one of the younger specimens appears to have two common sexual dimorphic characteristics associated with males, namely bulbous chela and a fatter fifth metasoma segment (something I recall seeing in pics of other male Tityus sp.). All others, of both instars, do not exibit these characteristics. Based on similar size and coloring I'm assuming it's the same instar as the other three younger ones, and not merely a diminutive male. So, I'm wondering which of the following is the most likely possibility:
1. Males of this sp. mature an instar earlier than females.
2. Males of this sp. show sexual dimorphism at an instar earlier than adulthood.
3. The two larger scorpions are, infact, a different sp. with a similar appearance.

Pictures -

Male pic 1
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/xvowx/Tityus%20bastosi/Tsilvestrism1.jpg

Male pic 2
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/xvowx/Tityus%20bastosi/Tsilvestrism2.jpg

Male pic 3
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/xvowx/Tityus%20bastosi/Tsilvestrism3.jpg

Male pic 4
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/xvowx/Tityus%20bastosi/Tsilvestrism4.jpg

Male and one of the two females(assuming) that are an instar ahead. To give you an idea of the size, the female is slightly bigger than an adult C. vittatus (I'll update with a pic of the same scorpion with a quarter or something for comparison).
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/xvowx/Tsilvestrismf1.jpg

Second pic of both scorpions.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/xvowx/Tsilvestrismf2.jpg

It would be nice to get some insight from those who are experienced with the genus Tityus, as well as those experienced with this species in general (it doesn't seem to be common, atleast in the U.S.).

This post has been edited by xVOWx: 08 February 2010 - 07:55 PM

[xVOWx]

After browsing pics on scorpionfiles and other sites I'm pretty sure that the four smaller scorpions are not Tityus silvestris but Tityus bastosi. The two things that convice me of this are the specific coloring patterns plus the uncommon feature of small, thorn like structures on the inside of the metasoma. Now, as for the two larger scorpions, I'm still trying to find out what they are. If anyone has any ideas let me know.

[Michiel]

xVOWx, on 04 February 2010 - 03:56 PM, said:

After browsing pics on scorpionfiles and other sites I'm pretty sure that the four smaller scorpions are not Tityus silvestris but Tityus bastosi. The two things that convice me of this are the specific coloring patterns plus the uncommon feature of small, thorn like structures on the inside of the metasoma. Now, as for the two larger scorpions, I'm still trying to find out what they are. If anyone has any ideas let me know.

Hi xVOWx,

Like I wrote on AB, this are two different species, belonging to two separate subgenera within the genus Tityus, T.bastosi from subgenus Archaeotityus and the T. cf.asthenes from subgenus Atreus. I am 99,9% shure of the T.bastosi ID, not only based on coloration pattern, but also in the way this species shows sexual dimorphism (males having bulky chela and metasomal segment V,see red circles), you can recognize these typical males relatively easy. Stunningly beautyfull scorpion.
 Tsilvestrism4.jpg (33.78K)
Number of downloads: 2
These 'thorns'are indeed important characters, called "spinoid (posterior) granules). Females have 13 rows of granules (cutting edges) on the fixed finger and males have two more rows.
I am not shure if the second species depicted is actually adult given the level of sclerotization of the exocuticle. This female is at least subadult and it is a member of the subgenus Atreus, maybe T.asthenes. You need to keep both species as rainforest species, warm (around 26-30 Clesius) and humid (70-80%).
Hopefully they will breed and produce healthy offspring :thmbup:

I have some literature and keys, which I can mail you if you want. Maybe you can send me a picture of the three T.bastosi, or post them here, so I can sex them for you. My e-mail is cozijn.jankie@casema.nl

Regards,

Michiel

This post has been edited by Michiel: 06 February 2010 - 10:48 AM

[xVOWx]

Michiel is already familiar with these pics, but I thought I'd post them for all those people trolling the boards looking for pretty picutures ;).

Tityus bastosi female 1
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/xvowx/Tityus%20bastosi/Tityusbastosifemale1a.jpg

Tityus bastosi female 2
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/xvowx/Tityus%20bastosi/Tityusbastosifemale2a.jpg
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d44/xvowx/Tityus%20bastosi/Tityusbastosifemale2b.jpg

[Michiel]

Although already familiair, they are still stunning! :thmbup:

[cowin8579]

Are they about 3 inches long?

[xVOWx]

cowin8579, on 12 February 2010 - 10:24 AM, said:

Are they about 3 inches long?

The T. bastosi are only about 1.5" long (about the same size as a female Centruroides vittatus) the other Tityus sp (possibly athenes) is about 2.5" long.