Southern flying squirrels were housed in a simulated natural photoperiod for 40°N latitude and held at a constant temperature of 23 °C with food and water provided ad libitum. Body weight and reproductive condition were monitored weekly for 2 years. Males were in reproductive condition between January and mid-August and females were in estrus from late February to mid-April and again from mid-June until early August. Young were conceived during both estrous periods and several squirrels produced two litters in the same year. Minimum body weights were recorded in adults in mid-October each year. Pups born in the spring grew more rapidly than those from summer litters, and reached puberty at 2.5 months as compared with 6–8 months of age for the summer litters. Several seasonal rhythms appear to be controlled by photoperiod in this species.
The relationship between 3-D kinematics and gliding performance in the southern flying squirrel, Glaucomys volans
