Mosquito repellant monkey style!

My apologies for the quality of the photo but you may find this interesting..

comments (6)

Claire Hamilton

Lion

Most of us when entering a forest slaver ourselves in citronella or some other concoction in an attempt to stave off those troublesome mosquitoes. But we humans are not the only ones that suffer and despite their thick fur, primates are also troubled by mosquitoes and other pests. Capuchins though have discovered a natural remedy that helps them remain itch free; they rub themselves all over with a giant millipede. Millipedes secrete a toxin intended to deter predators but capuchins use this to their own advantage. They roll and rub the poor insect all over their bodies, effectively covering themselves with the noxious toxin which helps ward off mosquitoes and other biting insects.
This is the first time I have personally witnessed this behaviour and it was quite bizarre. This poor millepede was rubbed and rolled and thrashed about the monkeys body at such a rate it was pretty impossible to get a decent photo, but this one at least shows the monkey with its unfortunate 'pesticide'. I think I will just stick to citronella! Posted 11 years ago

Nikhil Agadi

Katipo Spider

Hi clarie, that's a great piece information... :) Thank you :) ... Nice click :) Posted 11 years ago, modified 11 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Awesome behavior shot, and a very educational post. Thanks for sharing, Claire, obviously this one is promoted. Posted 11 years ago

travismorhardt

Lion

Very cool! I will have to find me some giant millipedes ;) Posted 11 years ago

Graeme Ruck

Lion

great shot and educational as well Posted 11 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

From today's Facebook post:

Today is World Mosquito Day, and instead of featuring a mosquito, we are highlighting the capuchin monkey! Why?? Well, these monkeys protect themselves against merciless, bloodsucking mosquitoes by rubbing themselves with mosquito repellent, just like humans do! The difference is that the capuchin’s insect repellent is extremely potent and efficient, in comparison to some of the overhyped products that humans use. What is this remarkable repellent? Giant millipedes! These millipedes are rich in powerful chemicals called benzoquinones, which repel mosquitoes. The monkeys rub their entire bodies with the 10 cm (4 in) long millipedes, thus massaging the chemicals into their fur. The transferred chemicals protect the capuchins against mosquitoes, which would otherwise make their lives miserable during the rainy season. So, you could say that capuchins don’t have to “swat” the small “stuff” because they can just rub themselves with a millipede instead. {Spotted in South Africa by JungleDragon moderator, Claire Hamilton} #JungleDragon Posted 6 years ago

The Tufted capuchin

The tufted capuchin is a New World primate from South America. As traditionally defined, it is one of the most widespread primates in the Neotropics, but it has recently been recommended considering the black-striped, black and Golden-bellied Capuchins as separate species in a new genus, thereby effectively limiting the tufted capuchin to the Amazon Basin and nearby regions.

Info 39 2

Similar species: Primates

Species identified by Claire Hamilton