The Reproductive Processes of Certain Mammals. Part VI. The Reproductive Cycle of the Female Hedgehog

摘要: The hedgehog ( Erinaceus europceus ) is a common British and North European mammal, but no thorough investigation appears to have been made of the reproductive cycle female. present account designed fill this gap as contribution comparative physiology reproduction. Ecological data are not included. Hubrecht (1889), working at Utrecht on embryology hedgehog, gives breeding season June August number foetuses 4-8. He regards primitive type. Millais (1904) states that breeds twice year in Great Britain, having its first litter May or second September, period gestation being more than one month. Five seven young born, which blind birth ; after about three weeks their spines harden they assume adult coloration. three-quarters grown by time winter sets in. Barrett-Hamilton (1911) earliest pregnancies occur April, he does include any records. Second litters found between middle end September late pregnancy recorded 23 Ireland an early post-partum animal 28 Scotland. There generally four five young, though may vary from 2-9. length given 4-7 weeks, most probably authority Lilljeborg (1874). Like Millais, well same season. Both these writers describe hibernating November onwards extent hibernation very variable, however, infrequently walking winter. In view restricted it seemed likely organs female, less male (Marshall, 1911), would show marked changes anoestrous conditions.