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Science 13 August 1971:
Vol. 173. no. 3997, pp. 650 - 652
DOI: 10.1126/science.173.3997.650
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Articles

Defense of Phalangid: Liquid Repellent Administered by Leg Dabbing

T. Eisner 1, A. F. Kluge 1, J. E. Carrel 1, and J. Meinwald 1

1 Sectiotn of Neurobiology and Behavior and Department of Chemistry, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850

The phalangid Vonones sayi has a pair of exocrine defensive glands that secrete quinones (2,3-dimethyl-1,4-benzoquinone and 2,3,5-trimethyl-1,4- benzoquinone). When distributed, the animal emits the secretion, dilutes it with aqueous regurgitated fluid, and effects dosaged delivery of the mixture by brushing it on the assailant with the tips of its forelegs. Predators such as ants are effectively repelled.


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