Abstract
Reproductive data obtained from 445 captive female Peromyscus of seven species are summarized. The maximum total litters was 26 and the maximum in one year 14, both in P. leucopus. Average litters per year varied from 2.4 in P. floridanus to 8.7 in P. maniculatus bairdii and mean litter size from 1.72 in P. floridanus to 4.84 in P. maniculatus gracilis. The maximum number of young in a litter was 11, recorded for P. m. bairdii. Evidence for a postpartum estrus in P. californicus and P. eremicus is presented. P. maniculatus, P. eremicus and P. polionotus had the majority of their litters between 9 AM and 5 PM. Litter mortality because of cannibalism or desertion varied from 19% in P. m. graciilis to 56% in P. floridanus. Under constant laboratory conditions of food, temperature, and lighting the mice bred throughout the year with only slight variations in percentages of females breeding from month to month. Species in the subgenus Peromyscus are smaller in body size and have a lower litter mortality, larger litters, and greater reproductive potential than those of the subgenera Haplomylomys and Podomys.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
