The gestation period of Heterometrus species is 8-12 months (The Biology of Scorpions - Gary A. Polis) while some families exhibit lesser period. I have observed very complex maternal care and hatchling interaction and I believe this complex behavior is directly proportionate to its gestation period. Most of the scorpions, especially Heterometrus species give birth to live scorplings and towards the end of June2010, she gave birth to a litter of 36 scorplings (The Biology of Scorpions - Gary A. Polis). The adult female carried the scorplings on her back for several weeks until their first molt.
Several interesting observations were made like,
- The adult female scanning the whole terrarium before she leave the scorplings for a walk outside.
- Scorplings feeding directly from the adult female's mouth. The female showed no aggression or resistance while the scorplings had their meal
- Cannibalistic behavior within the litter when a less matured or injured scorpling was eaten by others etc.