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Copulatory plugs in Richardson's ground squirrels

1984; NRC Research Press; Volume: 62; Issue: 2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1139/z84-043

1480-3283

Gail R. Michener,

Animal Behavior and Reproduction

The frequency with which copulatory plugs, coagulated ejaculate located in the vaginae of recently inseminated females, occur in Richardson's ground squirrels was determined during a 4-year study. In each year, on average, 37% of females captured on 3 consecutive days centered on the time of mating had a copulatory plug. Plugs filled the vaginal lumen, firmly adhered to the vaginal wall, sometimes remained in place as long as 15 – 17 h, and were expelled via sloughing of the vaginal epithelium. The function(s) of copulatory plugs could not be determined in this study, but protection of the male's sperm investment and prevention of sperm leakage were potential consequences of plug formation.