AI Article Synopsis
- Neotropical monkeys, specifically wedge-capped capuchin monkeys, engage in self-anointing by using millipedes, potentially to deter mosquitoes.
- Recent experiments show that compounds secreted by these millipedes decrease the landing and feeding rates of yellow fever mosquitoes, indicating a repellent effect.
- These millipede compounds also trigger self-anointing behavior in other capuchin species, suggesting a broader significance in their interaction with environmental threats.
Article Abstract
Neotropical monkeys of the genus Cebus anoint themselves by rubbing arthropods and plants against their pelage. A recent study has shown that free-ranging wedge-capped capuchin monkeys (C. olivaceus) in Venezuela self-anoint with a benzoquinone-secreting millipede, an activity by which they are hypothesized to appropriate chemical deterrents of mosquitoes. To evaluate the plausibility of this hypothesis, female yellow fever mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti) were presented with two millipede secretory compounds, 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2-methoxy-3-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone, on nylon-reinforced silicone membranes placed over wells filled with human blood, a highly preferred food. Mosquitoes exhibited fewer landings, fed less frequently, and flew more frequently (a possible indication of repellency) in the presence of membranes treated with benzoquinones than with controls. These compounds also elicit self-anointing in captive male and female tufted (C. apella) and white-faced (C. capucinus) capuchin monkeys.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00114-003-0427-2 | DOI Listing |
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