Reproductive behavioral changes during the ovarian cycle of lesser bushbabies (Galago moholi) in captivity

Behavioral patterns were quantified in seven heterosexual lesser bushbaby ( Galago moholi) pairs during the estrous cycle to determine the relative sig nificance of behavioral and nonbehavioral components of female sexuality in mate attraction. Increases in the occurrence of several male behaviors ind icating female attractiveness were initiated during vaginal swelling when t he female was sexually nonreceptive. Female behavioral estrus, as indicated by intromission, was confined to a portion of vaginal opening coinciding w ith proestrous and vaginal estrous smears. Female attractiveness was mainta ined for much of the period of vaginal opening, whereas female receptivity ended a day or two earlier than attractiveness. Female receptive and procep tive behaviors were not well defined or extensive, and few female behaviors exhibited significant changes during the cycle. Scent-marking behaviors, s uch as urine washes, and male grooms, were generally elevated outside the b ehavioral estrous period. In G. moholi, male sexual arousal appears to be e licited primarily by female attractiveness, while behavioral components of female sexuality appear to be less important in influencing mate attraction . (C) 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc.