Social play behaviours and insect predation in northern grasshopper mice (Onychomys leucogaster).

Play behaviours of northern grasshopper mice, Onychomys leucogaster , were observed from 27 to 61 days of age and after a brief period of social isolation. The mice were also observed during a simple test of cricket predation. With the exception of an active play-soliciting response, the play behaviours were quite similar to those described for other rodents. Play declined with increasing age and was strongly potentiated by social isolation. There was no discernable relationship between any of the play measures and efficiency of cricket predation. There were no detectable sex differences in either play or predation.