Observation of brood size and altricial development in <i>Centruroides hentzi</i> (Arachnida: Buthidae) in Florida, USA

Abstract A gravid, free-ranging Centruroides hentzi (Banks) (Hentz striped scorpion) (Arachnida: Buthidae) from Florida was captured and observed in captivity to document aspects of its reproductive biology. Observations revealed an initial brood size of 20 scorplings, marking the first recorded documentation of brood size for this species. Developmental milestones also were noted, including the timing of dispersal from the mother and the emergence of fluorescence under ultraviolet light, which may represent a critical developmental stage. Notably, the same female produced a second brood, without any further mating, in which at least one neonate was cannibalized and the remainder dispersed prematurely, suggesting sperm storage or parthenogenesis and post-birth brood reduction. These findings contribute to the growing body of knowledge on reproductive biology and altricial development in Centruroides species and highlight the need for further investigation into potential variation in brood size, maternal care, and juvenile development across populations and habitats. Insights from this study provide a foundation for broader ecological studies on scorpion reproductive strategies and life history traits.