Scorpion mating behavior

[FrankiePinchinatti]

After my 2 flat rock scorpions molted this last time it seems pretty clear that I have one of each sex so I thought I would try pairing them up to mate. After an initial scuffle when the male first stumbled upon the female in her hide it seems like it was going well. The female seemed pretty receptive to him, she kept attempting to "hold hands" with the male and occasionally pushing him backwards and she was also vibrating her tail like I have never seen before. The male on the other hand seemed absolutely terrified, kept backing away and actually tried stinging her a couple of times. I tried keeping an eye on them but it was painfully boring, 90% of the time they were just standing completely still. After about an hour I gave up and put the male back into his tank.

Any advice? Does this sound like mating behavior (at least from the female)? Can I leave them together for longer periods or should I just do it while I can keep an eye on them? The female also only has 1 claw, will that interfere with mating? I am also not 100% positive that they have even reached their final instar, they seem smaller than pictures that I have seen on the internet.

 

[Lubed Tweezer]

It doesn't always work the first time.
I would give them even more time during the next attempt, until one of them backs out and stops showing interest.
The female having only one chela should not be a problem as long as they perform the dance.
It's not uncommon for the male to give a few stings to calm down the female.
In the wild a lot of critters become very active straight after a good rain shower, that's the perfect time to find some food and maybe stumble upon a mate of the other sex.
You could try to recreate that situation at your next attempt.
If the next attempt is successful then also keep in mind that this species gestation time varies a lot from 8 to 18 months.

 

[GordoOldman]

The male in Hadogenes have that long tail for reaching around the female in tight crevices and using it to sting her, multiple tiers of good crevices is helpful.

Fun species to work with, although...I will say it is a labor of love and a LONG TERM project! Unbelievable how slowly they grow...

 

[Dr SkyTower]

They have very long lifespans (the female can live up to 30 years!) so everything they do will take time. The male has a long tail so he can sting the female to keep her calm and stop her from eating him. I agree with the other posters, when you see at least one of them lose interest then I'd remove the male and try again another day. Also male should be introduced to the female's enclosure (which is what I think you're already doing)