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- Title
Anting in a Semifree-ranging Group of Cebus apella.
- Authors
Verderane, M. P.; Falótico, T.; Resende, B. D.; Labruna, M. B.; Izar, P.; Ottoni, E. B.
- Abstract
Capuchins apply many organic materials, especially leaves, to their skin. Protection against ectoparasites is the most commonly discussed explanation for the behavior. We describe fur rubbing with carpenter ants (Camponotus rufipes) by semifree-ranging tufted capuchins (Cebus apella) in the Tietê Ecological Park, São Paulo, Brazil. Carpenter ants produce and secrete high concentrations of formic acid, which repels tick nymphs. Anting occurred significantly more often during months of seasonal incidence of nymphs of the tick Amblyomma cajennense, and the behavior was not related to ant-eating. We argue that anting behavior in tufted capuchins fits the hypothesis of protection against ectoparasites.
- Subjects
PARQUE do Tiete (Sao Paulo, Brazil); BRAZIL; CEBUS apella; FORMIC acid; REPELLENTS; CARPENTER ants; BEHAVIOR
- Publication
International Journal of Primatology, 2007, Vol 28, Issue 1, p47
- ISSN
0164-0291
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1007/s10764-006-9102-8