Copulatory behavior of voles (Microtus montanus and M. ochrogaster) in multiple-female test situations.

12 male prairie voles and 12 male mountain voles were given test of copulatory behavior with 1, 2, or 4 mating partners. Changes in the number of available partners produced minimal changes in the parameters of copulatory behavior in males of the 2 species. Male montane voles generally copulated with more of the females, showed a lesser tendency to concentrate copulations on a single female, and changed females more often than did prairie voles. These differences are consistent with differences in social structure reported in field studies and may reflect processes underlying species differences in social organization. (33 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)