Scorpions, Order Scorpiones, molt several times within their life cycle. Unlike insects, scorpions do not lay eggs. Instead, they give birth to young scorpions. After scorpions are born, the mother carries the entire brood on her back until their first molting. Some people mistakenly refer to these as scorpion larvae, but this is not the case. Since immature scorpions resemble adults, they are called nymphs. Larvae is the term for the immature insect stages between egg and pupa for insects, such as maggots with flies, which undergo complete metamorphosis.
The pedipalps (or claws), stinging tails and other external features of a fully grown scorpion are already present in the young when they are born.
The scorpion nymphs remain with their mother until they molt the first time. A female scorpion typically gives birth to 20 to 47 nymphs. When scorpion young leave their mother, they begins to live on their own. Usually, scorpion nymphs take five to six molts to reach their full adulthood.
Scorpions generally have a life span of about three to five years, depending on the surroundings and the availability of food. However, it has been documented that some scorpion species can live up to 15 years.
How does a scorpion reproduce?
Unlike most nonmammalian animals, scorpions are viviparous, giving birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Once fertilized, the eggs are retained in the female’s body, where the embryos are nourished in utero for periods varying from several months to a year.
Do scorpions give birth or lay eggs?
Unlike insects, scorpions do not lay eggs. Instead, they give birth to young scorpions. After scorpions are born, the mother carries the entire brood on her back until their first molting. Some people mistakenly refer to these as scorpion larvae, but this is not the case.
What does a baby scorpion look like?
As you can see, scorplings are a light creamy color and look just like a scorpion but much smaller. Scorplings can sting and pose the same threats as a mature scorpion. Baby scorpions are a little harder to spot than large scorpions because they’re so small, such a light color, and they don’t glow under black light.
