Lemurs and the secret of using poison to relax

(Dan Tri) - Not only are lemurs primates with big, round, cute eyes, they also possess a strange behavior that amazes scientists.

Using poison from millipedes

During years of observing wild lemurs, biologists discovered a behavior unlike any other.

The lemurs actively seek out millipedes, gently bite the animal's body to force it to secrete its toxic fluid, then spit it out without eating it. Immediately after, they use their own saliva mixed with the poison to smear all over their fur.

According to research published in Primates Journal by Professor Louise Peckre's team at the German Center for Evolutionary Biology, lemurs rub the substance on their bodies as a form of defense against ticks and fleas.

The lemurs actively seek out millipedes, gently bite the animal's body to force it to secrete toxic fluid, then spit it out without eating it (Photo: Getty).

Millipede secretions contain cyanogenic compounds. These are compounds that release cyanide when decomposed and have strong antibacterial and insect repellent effects.

However, the research team also noted a very high frequency of this behavior. An individual could interact with 5–6 millipedes per day, without showing signs of serious insect attacks.

This raises the question that lemurs turn to millipedes for more than just self-defense.

After about 10–15 minutes of exposure to the poison, the lemurs began to show obvious changes.

Their eyes were glazed, their ears drooped, their reflexes slowed. Some lay flat under the trees, barely reacting to the slightest noise around them. They swayed slightly, as if drifting in a dream.

The high lasts 40 to 60 minutes. During this time, the lemurs disconnect from their surroundings. Body movements slow to a minimum. Many return to find more millipedes when the effects begin to wear off, creating a new sensory cycle.

Researchers describe this state as “natural trance.” While it’s not yet clear whether lemurs actually experience the same pleasure that humans experience when taking psychoactive substances, the frequency with which they repeat the behavior suggests they seek it out on purpose.

According to research published in Scientific Reports , a team of experts at the University of Liverpool believes that benzoxazinoid compounds and cyanogenic glycosides from millipedes can activate central nervous system receptors, creating effects similar to those when humans are exposed to low doses of psychoactive substances.

This behavior does not cause immediate harm because lemurs possess the enzyme rhodanese in their livers, which partially neutralizes the toxicity of cyanide.

Additionally, a 2022 study by the University of Antananarivo (Madagascar) found that adult individuals are often the “mentors” for young lemurs to learn how to use millipedes in the right dosage and timing.

This suggests that this behavior may have an element of learning and communication in ape society.

Not only lemurs know how to find fun

Using toxins from other creatures to produce neurological effects is not unique to lemurs.

According to a review of studies from Trends in Ecology & Evolution , some other animals such as dolphins, cats, elephants, and even sparrows also use poisonous plants or animals to affect the nervous system from a feeling of relaxation to temporary excitement.

In lemurs, millipede use is neither random nor reflexive.

The researchers noted a deliberate choice. The lemurs only targeted millipedes that secreted the venom, stopped when the effects lasted, and distinguished between “preparation-relaxation-recovery” phases.

Professor Louise Peckre commented in an interview with National Geographic : “We believe that lemurs use millipedes not only for protection but also to achieve special neurological states.

This is a rare behavior in the animal world , but it is extremely organized and learned.”

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/vuon-cao-va-bi-mat-dung-chat-doc-de-thu-gian-20250726074655688.htm