Copulation in the Porcupine

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Abstract
Copulation in Erethizon d. dorsatum was observed on Nov. 18 and Nov. 26, 1945. These are the 2d and 3d cases on record of copulation of the species in the laboratory. The first photographic evidence was made Nov. 18. One [female] had bred and borne one young each in 1941, 1943, and 1944. Dates of these matings were unknown and matings unobserved. At peak of heat, [female] [female] are very aggressive sexually. The [female] stands on all fours, tail erected and genitals bared while the [male] approaches standing erect on hind legs and tail. The [male] did not use arms to seize or hold the [female] in any sexual contact. Contacts usually last 1-5 minutes. The [male] covered the [female] several times. Mating action was quite vigorous, and of an unusual nature. The [female] was still receptive after the [male] was sexually exhausted. A vaginal plug formed and was partially extruded from the vagina. Preliminary association of [male] and [female], for a time, seems necessary to copulatory activity. 2-4 hrs. after having been covered several times by [male], the [female] was no longer receptive.

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