First description of spermatophore morphology and mating behavior in Mastigoproctus proscorpio (Urogpyi) (Latreille, 1806) from Hispaniola, Greater Antilles

Whip scorpions (Uropygi) are a group of terrestrial arachnids comprising the Schizomida and Thelyphonida and are the sister-group to the whip spiders or Amblypygi. Both of these taxa form complex spermatophores and display complex courtship and mating behavior. While these traits have been subject to several recent studies on amblypygids, information on uropygids is still scarce. We try to fill this gap and studied mating behavior and spermatophore morphology of the thelyphonid Mastigoproctus proscorpio. Courtship and spermatophore transfer is similar to closely related species, but the spermatophore morphology is species-specific. The spermatophore consists of two coiled sperm carriers that medially unite to a common base which is attached to a substrate for transfer. Two distinct layers are present in the sperm carriers. The sperm duct opens proximally close to the base via a conductor and is not present over the whole range of the sperm carriers.