Meeting Abstract
Differences between the sexes are well known across taxa and are due to how males and females maximize their reproductive success differently. Generally, females tend to be the limiting sex because of the higher cost of their gametes, as well as growing and rearing the young. This has led to many examples of sexual dimorphism in size and color, which often stems from the competition males have with each other in obtaining a mate. Further males often exhibit a greater tendency to expose themselves to predation risk by spending more time searching for a mate. Male scorpions are no different, as they are known to be the more vagile sex. Research has shown males reduce their risk by recognizing substrate pheromones of females, thus directing their search and limiting their exposure to predation. In the current research, it is unknown if females have the ability to locate males or other females as a way to facilitate sex and reduce competition in these solitary animals. We tested the female response to substrate pheromones of conspecific males and females. Females were placed in an experimental chamber and allowed to roam between areas exposed to conspecific pheromones and control areas, not exposed to pheromones. Total time spent in each area was compared and behavioral movements noted. Our findings show that males and females respond differently to pheromones and we suggest this can be attributed to different reproductive strategies. Further, our findings give insight into the observed sexual dimorphism of their sensory organs, known as pectines, and suggest that selection pressure on these organs may be greater in males than females.
