Field Observations of Male Competition and Mating in Merriam's and Bannertail Kangaroo Rats
Randall JA. 1987. Field Observations of Male Competition and Mating in Merriam's and Bannertail Kangaroo Rats. The American Midland Naturalist. 117(1):211-213
Two matings each in Dipodomys merriami and D. spectabilis were observed on a permanent study area in Arizona. Mating patterns included mutual circling and nonlocking copulations. D. merriami exhibited multiple mounts in contrast to a single mount by D. spectabilis. Males of both species entered the female's home area to mate, and when more than one male was present, males competed for access to the female.