Differences in the scorpion female reproductive system ofLeiurus quinquestriatusH & E (Buthidae), in two populations inhabiting different zoogeographical regions in Israel

The female reproductive system was studied in two populations ofLeiurus quinquestriatusH & E. (Buthidae). One population was from the Galil Mountains, in the Mediterranean region of northern Israel. This was compared with scorpions from the semi-arid region of the northern part of the Jordan Valley and from the arid central Negev Desert. Significant differences were found between scorpions from the Negev and from the Galil in female weight, and in both number and diameter of small and large oocytes. Nevertheless, these differences seem insufficient yet to allow these populations to be distinguished at the subspecies level.