Reproductive Strategy of Microtus montanus

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Abstract
Field evidence is presented in support of the concept that Microtus montanus cues reproduction to chemical compounds in the plants it eats. Data on initiation and cessation of reproduction in both Wyoming and Utah study sites are closely correlated with availability of vegetatively growing plants. Age at first reproduction varies greatly. Litters from early spring breeding attain sexual maturity at 3 to 4 weeks of age, whereas later litters attain sexual maturity at 7 to 8 weeks of age. Late summer litters do not reproduce until the following spring. This highly facultative reproductive strategy exerts a major influence on population recruitment rates.

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