The female urogential system and reproduction of the marsupial Lagostrophus fasciatus.

Abstract

The female urogenital system is described. It is similar to that in Potorinae (rat kangaroos) and differs from that of Macropodinae in possessing a large anterior vaginal expansion, in having the bladder attached anteriorly, and in lacking a permanently open pseudovaginal canal. The significance of this is discussed in relation to its taxonomic position in the Macropodinae and to the validity of urogenital criteria for the classification of macropod marsupials. Lagostrophus is polyoestrous and usually monovular. Post-partum oestrus occurs but is not invariable; it may result in a fertilized egg whose development is delayed during lactation. The sequence of events in the ovary, uterus, and vagina during reproduction are similar to those in other macropod marsupials previously described. There is some evidence for a peak of breeding in the first half of the year.