Pectines
Compare the comb organs on the underside. Count and shape can be a useful clue only against known examples of the same species.
SCORPION KEEPER SKILL
Sexing a scorpion carefully.
A useful visual introduction to the underside, pectines and the limits of visual sexing. With scorpions, the most responsible answer is often ‘likely’, not certain.
WHAT TO CHECK
Start with the underside—not body size.
The paired comb-like pectines are the first structure keepers compare. In many species adult males have longer pectines with more teeth, but this is not universal and needs a same-species reference.
Body proportions
Males may look slimmer or carry a longer metasoma; females may look broader. Treat this as supporting evidence, not a verdict.
Confirm carefully
For breeding or sales, compare against a known-sex adult from the same species or ask an experienced breeder. Do not force a diagnosis from one photo.
COMPARISON REFERENCE
Compare within a species.
Historical specimen plates are useful for seeing that sex-related proportions can differ, but they are not a universal template. Use them to understand the principle, then compare your animal only with a verified adult of its own species.
KEEP IT SAFE
Better records, fewer false calls.
Use diffuse light and a secure surface. Never flip, pin or handle an animal simply to get a sexing photo.
Use “likely” or “unknown” in the tracker when the evidence is incomplete. A later moult or adult feature can give a better answer.
For a breeding decision, share clear species, stage and multiple angles with an experienced keeper or breeder.
Reference photographs and guidance are credited beside every visual. Open the original source →