title: A comparison of fluorescence in two sympatric scorpion species.
abstract: In order to test the feasibility of scorpion fluorescence as an indicator of gender and/or species identity, a comparison of the fluorescence spectra between genders across two sympatric species of scorpions (Vaejovis confusus Stahnke 1940 and Paruroctonus shulovi Williams 1970) was conducted. Each spectrum was represented in a simple multivariate analysis by its peak wavelength and width at 90% of peak intensity. No difference between genders was found, but a statistically significant difference between species was detected. The potential of fluorescence as a basis for species recognition based on this difference is discussed in the context of what is known about scorpion vision and discriminatory abilities.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biology, California State University, 9001 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, CA 93311, USA. ckloock@csub.edu
authors.forename: Carl T
authors.initials: CT
authors.lastname: Kloock
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D005260:Female; D005453:Fluorescence; D008297:Male; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012605:Scorpions / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D012733:Sex Differentiation; D013045:Species Specificity