From BBC One program, “Spy in the Wild”, we learn that lemurs not only rub millipedes on their skin to deter insects (mostly mosquitoes who are repelled by the millipedes’ benzoquinones), but also seem to get high from chemicals in the ‘pedes. This isn’t just speculation: there’s research to support at least the insecticide part (see here). I’m not sure the lemurs really enjoy this “intoxication”: it may just be a psychological state that is a necessary byproduct of biting the millipedes.
Lemurs use toxic millipedes as insecticides, get high as a byproduct
March 9, 2017 • 3:15 pm
That is something. I do not wonder what it taste like at all.
It’s at moments like this that Jerry’s gastrognome reputation comes back to, errrrr, bite him?
How long will it be before someone tries this?
Somebody call Andrew Zimmern…
Actually the Yooman Race has a long and honourable history of snacking on dangerously poisonous substances in order to get high, or zonked, or paralytic…
It’s kinda comforting to learn that we’re not alone in this.
cr
You holdin’ — or asking for a friend? 🙂
Personally, I draw the line at toad-licking.
I’m going to Alaska in May. Will keep the millipedes in mind!
Alaska?
!= Madagascar.
Misprint?
cr
There are millipedes in Alaska. with benzoquinones
and very definitely there are mosquitos
I’ll probably skip ingesting and try them as roll-ons.
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-03-09/ancient-dental-plaque-shows-some-neanderthals-were-vegetarians/8332730
I note that some other news sites which have reported this story can’t help but frame it in terms of ‘natural’ medicine.
My guess would be ancient lemurs (or forebear species) discovered the “high” and enjoyed its effects. The insect repellent effect was a side-benefit. Later, natural selection favored the rubbing through their fur behavior upon getting high.
Sub
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So what’s a six-pack of ‘pedes go for these days?
It’s a gateway bug!
[I stole that from “Will N” in the YouTube comments section]
Jeez, who woulda thunk it. Zonked-out stoned hippie lemurs.
I found that millipedes were poisonous when I let a few small ones crawl over my hand (this was in Rarotonga) and then developed an itchy rash.
cr
But I’d be quite surprised if mosquitos could even bite lemurs. Aren’t they too furry?
cr
Ears, eyelids, lips, nose, anus .. you know, all the places mosquitoes bite me.
I wonder if such venom has useful medicinal value for us naked apes. The human trials might be entertaining.
Well, that would explain those eyes lemurs display…
Jokes aside, I’d favour S.K.Graham’s explanation.
Our big armored Amazonian millipedes emit cyanide.
New world monkeys, too: “Members of a wild group of wedge-capped capuchin monkeys (Cebus olivaceus) intentionally anoint themselves with millipedes (Orthoporus dorsovittatus). Chemical analysis revealed these millipedes secrete two benzoquinones, compounds known to be potently repellent to insects.” Valderrama et al, J. Chem. Ecol.(2000)
No nomming, just topical
So would this be considered tool use?
Oh, if only I could be a lemur, getting high whenever I want…
Instead, I have to go through getting the stuff, setting it up, finding a nice place to do it…
Actually, I prefer my way. I would bet lemurs don’t get to listen to Yes or Rush or Pink Floyd when they get high!
“Warning: do not take the brown
acidmillipedes. The brown millipedes are bad, man.”Lemur: “The walls are fucking brown!”
Can you also use hoofed mammals in the same way?
I’ve always wanted to rub myself with ungulates.
I think I’ll give that little experiment a miss.