Citrus-Rubbing Capuchins: Jungle Monkeys Make Natural Bug Spray

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Citrus-Rubbing Capuchins: Jungle Monkeys Making Their Own Bug Spray

When you picture capuchin monkeys in the wild, you probably imagine them swinging through trees, tossing fruit, or yelling at each other over bananas. But some of these clever monkeys are engaging in something a lot more practical—and a lot more pungent.

Meet the citrus-rubbing capuchin: a small, intelligent monkey that has figured out how to turn fruit into a natural bug spray.

Spa Day or Insect Defense?

Capuchin monkeys have been observed ripping open citrus fruits—or grabbing pungent leaves—and rubbing the juice or oils all over their fur. We’re talking about full-body coverage: arms, legs, tail, even their back if they can manage it.

Scientists believe this insect repellent behavior isn’t about flavor. It’s all about pest control.

Citrus contains limonene, a compound with natural insect-repellent and antimicrobial properties. By rubbing it on their skin, capuchins may be warding off:

- Mosquitoes and biting flies

- Mites and ticks

- Fungal spores or bacteria

And unlike commercial bug spray, citrus also leaves them smelling a little zesty. Bonus.

It’s Not Just About Smell

This behavior isn’t random. Capuchins often share the fruit or plant and take turns rubbing it on, almost like a grooming ritual. It’s been documented with:

- Citrus

- Onions and garlic plants

- Strong-smelling herbs like Piper species (wild peppers)

- Millipedes (yes, they crush and smear them—more on that in a future post…)

All of these are known to contain bioactive compounds that discourage parasites and microbes. So while it may look like monkey mischief, it’s actually instinctive medicinal grooming.

Intelligence in Action

What’s most striking is how intentional it seems. Capuchins don’t do this with every fruit. They choose specific ones, especially during mosquito season, and they seem to know what works best.

It’s not just self-care—it’s preventative medicine.

So the next time you’re spraying DEET before a camping trip, remember: a capuchin in the jungle is peeling a lemon and giving himself a rubdown. No bottle. No warning label. Just instinct.