Harderian gland exudates in the male Meriones unguiculatus regulate female proceptive behavior, aggression, and investigation

Harderian gland secretions exit from the nose of Meriones unguiculatus during an autogroom (Thiessen, 1977). The exudates act as an attractant pheromone and as a thermoregulatory barrier when spread throughout the pelage. A recent study demonstrated that Harderian exudates in the male guide proceptive behavior in the female (Harriman & Thiessen, 1985). The present study replicated this finding by showing that estrous females direct fewer proceptive acts toward males lacking Harderian glands. In addition, it was found that females are more defensively aggressive toward Harderianectomized males and prefer to spend more time in the vicinity of intact males. It is speculated that Harderian spread allows the female to assess the reproductive competence of the male.