Like many primates, lemurs are prone to ticks and other parasites.
像许多灵长类动物一样,狐猴容易受到蜱虫和其他寄生虫的感染。
But as well as grooming each other, this group has developed a more ingenious means of keeping pests at bay.
但是除了互相梳理毛发之外,狐猴们还发明了一种更巧妙的方法来赶走害虫:
Self-medication.
自我治疗。
When these carpenter ants feel under attack, they spray formic acid, which the lemurs put to good use.
当这些木蚁感到受到攻击时,它们会喷洒蚁酸,狐猴很好地利用了蚁酸。
This behavior has only just been discovered.
这种行为才刚刚被发现,
But it seems that rubbing this acid mixed with a bit of spit onto their fur acts as an effective tick repellent.
但似乎将这种酸和少量唾液混合在它们的皮毛上可以起到有效的防虱作用。
They've learned to access their own jungle pharmacy.
他们学会了使用自己的丛林药房。
The only possible side effect seems to be yet more drowsiness.
唯一的副作用大概就是嗜睡。
Luckily, this time the youngsters are also ready for rest.
幸运的是,这一次小狐猴们也准备休息了。
Or maybe not.
或者,它又醒了。