(Frugivory and potential seed dispersal by the marsupial Gracilinanus agilis (Didelphidae: Didelphimorphia) in areas of Cerrado in central Brazil). In the present study, we investigated patterns of fruit consumption and viability of seeds consumed by the marsupial Gracilinanus agilis (Burmeister, 1854) in four cerrado sites in central Brazil. Faecal analysis indicated that this mammal feeds on seeds of pioneer plant species of Melastomataceae (Miconia albicans (Sw.) Triana, M. cuspidata Naudin, M. ferruginata DC., M. pepericarpa DC., M. pohliana Cogn. and Ossaea congestifl ora (Naudin) Cogn.), Solanaceae (one unidentifi ed species), and Viscaceae (Phoradendron perrottetii (DC.) Eichler, mistletoe). We recorded the highest reported rate of fruit consumption for Gracilinanus, with about 45% of the scats containing seeds and 86% containing items derived from fruits (N = 422). With the exception of O. congestifl ora, the remaining seed species tested did not suff er negative eff ects on germination rates aft er passing through the marsupial guts. Th e analysis of intraspecifi c variation in the total number of Miconia seeds found in scats indicated that females defecate a signifi cantly greater number of seeds (mean±EP = 21.7±3.8) than males (14.4±3.0) (F = 26.32; P < 0.0001). Th e factor season was also signifi cant (F=452.22; P<0.0001) as well as the interaction between sex and season (F=30.10; P < 0.0001). Both females and males increased their fruit consumption in the dry season, but in the rainy season females had more seeds than males in their faeces. Later during this season, we observed a higher number of Miconia seeds defecated by reproductive females (24.7±6.6) compared to non-reproductive females (12.9±2.8) (P = 0.031). Our results indicate that G. agilis feeds selectively on Melastomataceae, which suggests these plants play an important role in the diet of this marsupial in relation to energy and water demands, especially during the dry-cool season.