🦊🐛 In the forests of #Madagascar, #lemurs have learned to use #millipedes as a specialized form of #medicine.

By gently biting the #insects, the #primates trigger the release of defensive #chemicals that act as a potent repellent against #malaria-carrying #mosquitoes. The lemurs rub the secretions into their fur and even ingest small amounts to treat internal parasites. The toxins cause a brief, trancelike state.

👉 https://www.discoverwildlife.com/tv/lemurs-licking-millipedes-bbc

#wildlife #nature #science #biology #chemistry #evolution #BBC #animals

“Complete intoxication.” Lemurs in Madagascar are licking millipedes – and it’s sending them into a “trancelike state” | Discover Wildlife

To protect themselves from malaria-carrying mosquitoes, some lemurs in Madagascar are turning to poisonous insects – with unusual side effects

Discover Wildlife