A different oogenetic pattern in a US apoikogenous scorpion, Vaejovis spinigerus (Scorpiones, Vaejovidae)

The ovariuterus of the scorpion Vaejovis spinigerus (Scorpiones, Vaejovidae) differs from that of all other apoikogenic species studied so far in that the oocytes mature inside, rather than on the outer surface, of the ovariuterus tubes. Only the small, second and third oocyte generations are situated on the outer surface, sometimes even on top, of the mature oocytes. This oogenetic pattern has so far not been described in any other scorpion species. Since no males were found in the populations studied here, this species can be assumed to be parthenogenetic. However, this point needs more concrete proof.