How do monkeys eat fleas? - briefly
Monkeys eliminate «flea» by picking the insects off their fur with their fingers or snapping them with their teeth. The removed insects are then swallowed, supplying a small amount of protein.
How do monkeys eat fleas? - in detail
Monkeys acquire fleas primarily through self‑grooming and social grooming. During the act, a monkey uses its hands or mouth to remove ectoparasites from fur, then swallows them inadvertently. The ingestion process follows the same pathway as any other ingested material: the flea passes through the esophagus into the stomach, where gastric acids and enzymes begin protein digestion. Enzymatic breakdown continues in the small intestine, allowing absorption of nutrients derived from the flea’s body proteins and lipids. Any residual chitinous exoskeleton is largely resistant to digestion and is expelled in feces.
Key physiological aspects:
- Salivary enzymes in the oral cavity start the breakdown of soft tissues before swallowing.
- Stomach pH (≈2–3) denatures flea proteins, facilitating further enzymatic action.
- Pancreatic proteases (trypsin, chymotrypsin) complete protein hydrolysis in the duodenum.
- Absorptive cells of the small intestine transport resulting amino acids and fatty acids into the bloodstream.
- Undigested chitin contributes minimally to nutrient intake and may affect gut microbiota composition.
Ecological implications:
- Flea ingestion reduces external parasite load, decreasing the risk of disease transmission among group members.
- The occasional consumption of fleas provides a marginal source of protein, especially during periods of limited food availability.
- Repeated grooming and ingestion reinforce social bonds, as individuals often groom each other to remove parasites.
Overall, the process combines mechanical removal, oral ingestion, and standard digestive mechanisms to handle the occasional intake of ectoparasites.