Observations on the Reproductive Biology of Pseudomys (Rodentia: Muridae)

Certain anatomical and histological features of the reproductive system are described for the first time for three species of Pseudomys from mainland Australia-P. shortridgei, P. australis, and P. gracilicaudatus. All three species possess Cowper's glands, seminal vesicles, and prostates. Preputial glands occur in P. australis and P. gracilicaudatus. In P. gracilicaudatus, litter size, determined from corpora lutea counts, ranges from two to four, and ovulation appears to be suppressed during pregnancy. It is not known if any of the species experience a post-partum estrus, nor is the length of gestation known. Brief habitat descriptions are provided for each of the three species under consideration.