Female cloacal gland secretions may function as sexual signals that deter males during the breeding season in Japanese rat snake (Elaphe climacophora) (Chordata, Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae)

Although the odor of cloacal secretions in snakes is obvious, their function remains unclear. We tested whether cloacal secretions are involved in sexual communication. Thus, male Japanese rat snakes (Elaphe climacophora), but not females, would avoid female cloacal secretions during the breeding se