Prelude to a kiss: evidence for mate discrimination in the striped bark scorpion, Centruroides vittatus

The scorpion, Centruroides vittatus, lives in groups, which may allow females to discriminate among mates. We examine possible female mate discrimination based on the duration of the "kiss" phase of courtship, during which sperm is transferred, and on the duration of the "promenade a deux" phase of courtship that precedes sperm transfer. Larger males spent less time during the promenade and more time during the kiss phases of courtship. We discuss the implications of this to sexual selection in scorpions.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]