DIFFERENTIATING MICROTUS XANTHOGNATHUS AND MICROTUS PENNSYLVANICUS LOWER FIRST MOLARS USING DISCRIMINANT ANALYSIS OF LANDMARK DATA

Self discrimination in meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus.

Particular features of the signaling characteristics of the scent marks of temperate-zone, seasonally breeding mammals may reflect differences in their reproductive state and, hence, be variable. Consequently, an individual's perception of self may depend more on the condition independent than on the condition-dependent signaling characteristics of the scent marks. Yet, we do not know whether a...

Female meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) demonstrate same-sex partner preferences.

Female meadow voles (Microtus pennsylvanicus) are territorial during warm months but demonstrate social tolerance under low temperatures. In spring, females nest together and some pairs participate in communal nursing and rearing of young. Because communal nursing involves significant cooperation, selective pair-bonds may develop between 2 nestmates. Using a choice apparatus, the authors determ...

Initial Results of Chemical Inhibitors and Photoperiodic Influences on Growth and Reproduction in Microtus pennsylvanicus

Development of selective partner preferences in captive male and female meadow voles, Microtus pennsylvanicus

Intraspecific social systems vary considerably as a function of environmental parameters (Lott 1984, Behaviour, 88, 266–325). For example, nonmonogamous species may engage in facultative partner preferences and parenting to offset the costs associated with harsher breeding conditions. Because no field or laboratory research has examined nonmonogamous meadow voles under suboptimal conditions (e....

Population Dynamics of Oryzomys Palustris and Microtus Pennsylvanicus in Virginia Tidal Marshes

Oryzomys palustris (marsh rice rat) and Microtus pennsylvanicus (meadow vole) cohabit coastal marshes in the mid-Atlantic US. Both were live-trapped for 23 months at two tidal marsh sites in Virginia to assess their demography near the margins of their distributions. In the presence of dense vegetation, population dynamics of the two species were seasonal and positively correlated, with densiti...