Longevity

[darkness975]

I am comparing the movements of one of my newest scorpions to another of the same species that I've had for several years. The older of the two was purchased in 2015 and is a WC adult. She's still going, but clearly much slower than when she was "younger."

The new one (have not had a chance to determine sex yet) is very lively and cruising all around the tank. I believe it is also WC.

The older one does not move much anymore and when she does it's not too far. No more extensive tunnels like back in the day.

Both are H. arizonensis.

It has given some perspective to their life cycle, admittedly anecdotally. Another specimen that I lost recently was also much slower in movement, likely due to age. They don't live anywhere near as long in the wild so these "aging signs" are not so prevalent. Has anyone else thought about this topic much? Just curious if I'm the only one!

 

[Dry Desert]

I am comparing the movements of one of my newest scorpions to another of the same species that I've had for several years. The older of the two was purchased in 2015 and was a WC adult. She's still going, but clearly much slower than when she was "younger."

The new one (have not had a chance to determine sex yet) is very lively and cruising all around the tank. I believe it is also WC.

The older one does not move much anymore and when she does it's not too far. No more extensive tunnels like back in the day.

Both are H. arizonensis.

It has given some perspective to their life cycle, I'll be it anecdotally. Another specimen that I lost recently was also much slower in movement, likely due to age. They don't live anywhere near as long in the wild so these "aging signs" are not so prevalent. Has anyone else thought about this topic much? Just curious if I'm the only one!

Specimens in the wild, unless studied long term, will show the same aging symptoms but it won't be obvious.
Your species Desert Hairys, unless I'm mistaken, have a total life span of around 20 years, but as most are WC no way of gauging the exact age.
However, as you say, slowing down is probably the best indicator of old age in WC.
Another point worth mentioning is that a scorpion racing around its enclosure may not indicate youthful exuberance, just may be settling in or, not happy with it's enclosure.

 

[darkness975]

Specimens in the wild, unless studied long term, will show the same aging symptoms but it won't be obvious.
Your species Desert Hairys, unless I'm mistaken, have a total life span of around 20 years, but as most are WC no way of gauging the exact age.
However, as you say, slowing down is probably the best indicator of old age in WC.
Another point worth mentioning is that a scorpion racing around its enclosure may not indicate youthful exuberance, just may be settling in or, not happy with it's enclosure.

In the case of this one it's brand new, only been here for a couple hours. So that's no shock.
Once they settle in more they start their tunnel digging and all that good stuff. But the older one mentioned above doesn't do much at all anymore. She often sits out in the open for hours or days motionless. Obviously sitting still for extended periods in and of itself is normal for them. But when you observe the same specimens for years you notice changes in their behavior.
It also appears that its harder for her to move when she does take a stroll. Reminds me of arthritis in us humans.
There was a time she would dig forever and even recently she did do some.

 

[Dry Desert]

In the case of this one it's brand new, only been here for a couple hours. So that's no shock.
Once they settle in more they start their tunnel digging and all that good stuff. But the older one mentioned above doesn't do much at all anymore. She often sits out in the open for hours or days motionless. Obviously sitting still for extended periods in and of itself is normal for them. But when you observe the same specimens for years you notice changes in their behavior.
It also appears that its harder for her to move when she does take a stroll. Reminds me of arthritis in us humans.
There was a time she would dig forever and even recently she did do some.

I know it definitely takes me longer to get in and out of the car than it used to.!!