Abstract
Techniques for the capture and maintenance of Antechinus flavipes in
the laboratory are described.
Reproduction is restricted to early August when protracted copulation of
more than 5 hr occurs.
The young are born early in September after a mean gestation period of
31.5 days. The average litter size is 6.8. The neonatus has a well-developed
head and fore limbs while the posterior end of the body is strongly flexed
ventrally. Only rudiments of the hind limbs are present. The crown-rump length
of a neonatus is 4.9 mm and its weight 0.0164 g. The development and growth
of the pouch young are described. Sex can be determined at an age of 25 days
and the eyes open at about 62 days. Suckling continues for 90 days and sexual
maturity is probably achieved after 320 days in the August following birth.
The neonatus of A. flavipes and features in its development are compared
with other marsupials and a placental, Mus musculus, of comparable dimensions.
The slow reproduction rate and difficulty in handling do not recommend
A. flavipes as a possible laboratory animal.
Subject
Animal Science and Zoology,Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics
Cited by
78 articles.
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