Diplocentrus spitzeri
Stahnke, 1970
Ruby Rock Scorpion
Diplocentrus spitzeri is a in the Diplocentridae, to the Sierra Madre Occidental in Sonora, Mexico. The species exhibits distinctive maternal care behaviors, including a specialized birth posture where the female elevates her body on her legs and while young emerge from the genital and climb onto her back. First young remain on the mother's back until their first , during which time the female displays defensive behaviors to protect them. The species inhabits rocky pine-oak forest environments, where it shelters under stones and in rock crevices.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Diplocentrus spitzeri: /dɪploʊˈsɛntrəs ˈspɪtsɛri/
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Habitat
Rocky areas in pine-oak forest; found under stones and in rock crevices
Distribution
Mexico (Sonora: Sierra de Álamos, Sierra Madre Occidental)
Seasonality
Parturition observed in laboratory settings from June to August
Life Cycle
(aplacental ); first young remain on mother's back until first ; second instar young remain with mother before becoming free-living; litter size 19-32 young
Behavior
Distinctive birth posture: female elevates body on legs and , arching metasoma; young actively climb onto mother's back after birth; maternal defensive when carrying young; young produce scraping sounds that may stimulate maternal care; young dismount from mother's back after first