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Scorpion Larvae

Scorpions (order Scorpiones) molt several times within their life cycle. Unlike insects, scorpions do not lay eggs. Instead, they give birth to young scorpions. After scorpions are born, the mother carries the entire brood on her back until their first molting. Some people mistakenly refer to these as scorpion larva but this is not the case.  Since immature scorpions resemble adults, they are called nymphs. (Larva is the term for immature insects that change form when they become adult, such as maggots, which change to flies.)

The pedipalps (or claws), stinging tails, and other external features of a fully-grown scorpion are already present in the young when they are born.

The scorpion nymphs stay on their mother's back until their first molt. . A female scorpion typically gives birth to 20 - 35 nymphs. When a scorpion young goes down from its mother's back, it begins to live on its own. On average, these young scorpions can require five to six molts in the months or years to reach their full adult stage.

Scorpions generally have a life span of about four to six years, depending on the surroundings and the availability of food. However, it has been documented that some scorpion species can live up to fifteen years.

Scorpion Life Cycle