Investigate - Anogenital

After the actor mouse has attended and approached the recipient mouse, it will begin investigating the recipient's body. The anogenital region can be the first and only place the actor mouse investigates. If the actor begins exploring the anogenital region first, it will rarely explore the body trunk next.

Anogenital odors transmit a variety of information including identity, gender, and sexual receptivity.

The mouse braces and pushes forward with its hind legs, stretches it body forward with the belly pressed against the ground, and raises its head up and forwards, to direct its eyes, ears and vibrissae towards stimuli in the environment.

Exploration, variant of Investigate

Social, Sexual

Anogenital investigation may occur in four different postures:

1. Upright. The mouse rears up on its hind legs.
2. Oblique. The mouse has its forebody off the floor and it is sitting up, resting on its haunches.
3. Sideways. The mouse has all four paws on the cage floor.
4. Investigate - Stretched Attend