There are many animals in the world who like to stay away from any kind of poison or intoxicants. But there is such a small and very cute creature in nature, whose habits you might not believe. We are talking about the lemur, which at first glance appears absolutely innocent and calm, but it has a habit which makes it completely different from other animals. Yes, whenever the lemur sees a millipede i.e. a thousand-legged insect, it immediately runs towards it. The viewer will think that perhaps it is going to eat him.
After all, many animals use small insects as their food. But the lemur has something else in mind. The real story starts from here. First of all the lemur catches the millipede with its hands and bites or presses it very lightly. As soon as the millipede feels itself in danger, it releases a special kind of poisonous chemical for its protection. Usually this chemical is used to scare away other animals, because its smell is very strong and it can irritate many creatures, but for lemurs this chemical is the most valuable thing. As soon as it comes in contact with it, within a few minutes its effect becomes visible on the brain of the lemur.
How does one use poison for itself?
Scientists believe that this chemical makes lemurs feel slightly intoxicated. After this his behavior changes. Sometimes he sits comfortably, sometimes he half closes his eyes and sometimes he starts doing strange things. It seems as if he is lost in his own separate world for some time. However, the story is not limited to this only. If you think that lemurs do this just for the sake of getting drunk, then the story will not be complete. Actually, there is a very important reason hidden behind this.
When the millipede releases its chemical, the lemur starts rubbing it all over its body. He especially spreads this chemical thoroughly on his fur, hands, feet and other parts of the body. Seeing this certainly seems strange at first, but a wonderful understanding of nature is working behind it. These chemicals released from millipedes help in keeping mosquitoes, ticks and many other small insects away. That is, what is poisonous or irritating for other animals, becomes a kind of natural body spray for lemurs. This reduces the risk of insect bites and also keeps many types of parasites away from him.
Weird Fact About Lemur
That means the lemur gets two benefits simultaneously from this habit. Firstly, he feels mild intoxication for some time and secondly, his body also gets natural protection from insects. Such examples are rarely seen in nature, where for an animal the same thing is both a fun experience and a means of safety.
Also read: Passengers seen taking care of a sleeping dog in a crowded Mumbai local, a heart-winning sight.
Nature teaches us again and again that every living being knows how to use the things around it in its own way. What may seem useless or dangerous to humans may prove to be life-saving for another creature. This unique friendship between lemurs and millipedes is a great example of this.
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