Female bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) recognition: preference for the stud male.

Pregnant and nursing bank vole (Clethrionomys glareolus) females were investigated for their ability to recognize their mated male on the basis of chemical cues. In a two-choice test pregnant females showed a strong preference, manifested by higher frequency of sniffs and time spent sniffing, to the odour of a stud male over that of unfamiliar male, but only during the days after insemination and around implantation. As gestation proceeds females exhibited no affinity for either of these two kinds of males. Olfactory bulbectomy abolished a pregnant females preference for her stud male. A lactating female chose the odour of her sexual partner untill the time of weaning of her young. Separation of the female from her pups during the early post partum period shortens the time of memory for the scent of the stud male. The results indicate that bank vole females form olfactory memory to the odour of stud males and its duration depends on physiological state of the females.