Familiarity and female mate choice in two species of voles (Microtus ochrogaster and Microtus montanus)

摘要: Abstract The effect of familiarity on female mate choice was examined in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster) and montane (M. montanus). In experiment I females were given simultaneous access to a male with which they had just mated novel male. Prairie vole preferentially spent more time the familiar males; showed no preference. Experiment II consisted two tests established by housing across wire mesh barrier from for 2 weeks. Female preference based familiarity. Overriding any adjacent second test received their first ejaculate 1. Montane unfamiliar Therefore, but not voles, copulation and/or receipt an appears be responsible ‘stamping in’ particular These results suggest that finely tuned differences female's reproductive responses males may proximate behavioural processes underlying species mating systems.