REPRODUCTION IN FEMALES OF THE FEATHERTAIL GLIDER ACROBATES-PYGMAEUS (MARSUPIALIA)

Abstract

The anatomy of female reproductive tracts collected from 28 Acrobates pygmaeus (Shaw) is described. The tract differs from that of other small possums of the families Burramyidae and Tarsipedidae by having a prominent septum that divides the left and right sides of the vaginal system for most of its length. A median birth canal occurs at parturition but closes within 3–4 days of birth. In south‐eastern Australia, most female A. pygmaeus produce two litters within the breeding season (July to February). A post‐partum oestrus follows the birth of the first litter and the resulting embryos undergo a period of embryonic diapause. The embryos grow slowly during diapause, until the unilaminar blas..