Munroe, K.E., and J.L. Koprowski. 2012. Presence of copulatory plugs in round-tailed ground squirrels (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus). Southwestern Naturalist. 57: 208-210.

Authors

Karen E. Munroe
John L. Koprowski

Sperm competition, where sperm from more than one male competes to fertilize eggs within the reproductive tract of a female, is prevalent in mammals. In rodents, this competition often has led to copulatory plugs, a passive defense against further sperm competition. Copulatory plugs have been reported in many species of sciurids; however, not in round-tailed ground squirrels (Xerospermophilus tereticaudus). Here we report two observations of copulatory plugs in round-tailed ground squirrels and suggest they represent an indirect form of mate guarding in affording males a chance to seek additional mating opportunities as seen in other species of rodents.

 

Additional Information

Date of publication:
2012

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