Growth and Reproductive Behavior in the Southern Grasshopper Mouse

Abstract

Various aspects of reproductive behavior and of both maternal and paternal behavior are described for Onychomys torridus longicaudus. Data are presented on early development of young and are utilized as a background for indicating the age at which mice can enter the population as reproductive contributors. Although laboratory-raised females tend to be slow in attaining sexual maturity, O. t. longicaudus gains reproductive status in the field at an age comparable to that of some of its more prolific peromyscan relatives.