Fur Rubbing by Capuchin Monkeys

Fur-rubbing capuchins (Cebus capucinus in Costa Rica) using Piper marginatum, a medicinal plant that is extensively used in Latin America (and beyond).  It is used by humans to relieve pain, swelling, and fever; it is hemostatic, repellent, antibiotic and antifungal.  Although there are hundreds of Piper species in the Americas, the monkeys and humans focus their use on those with a licorice scent, an indication of  bioactivity.

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Fur rubbing is an interesting behavior performed by all capuchin monkey species.  

Fur rubbing is seen in both free-ranging and captive individuals.  

The substances that elicit this behavior are pungent and/or stimulating when applied to the body.  The monkeys rub with things like citrus fruit, onions, tobacco, Piper marginatum, Clematis dioica, ants and millipedes.  

In the wild, the kinds of things monkeys rub with vary from site to site.  Even when the same substances are available at several sites, the items a particular group uses for rubbing is likely to be different, suggesting a socially transmitted pattern of use.

This behavior occurs primarily during the wet season.  The function of this behavior may be for wound and ectoparasite treatment.  It may reinforce social bonds or the monkeys may simply enjoy rubbing.

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