The Verge Review of Animals: the slow loris
@ The slow loris*s large, glossy eyes make it look a little like the model on which all Disney princesses are based// Its wide, inviting stare and fuzzy belly suggest it*s cuddly// But be warned: it may be adorable, but it*s also venomous//℗
@ The slow loris is the only known venomous primate// It has two brachial glands inside its front elbows; these glands secrete a fluid that contains an allergen similar to a chemical in cat dander// When a slow loris feels threatened, it raises its arms above its head and gives those glands a lick// The glands* fluids mix with the animal*s saliva to create a toxic combination// This venom then gets injected into wounds when the slow loris bites//℗
@ One study suggests that the the species may have also evolved to mimic cobras another defense mechanism for scaring off predators// When the slow loris puts its arms above its head in that fake out surrender, the pose combined with the dark markings on its face gives the appearance of a cobra*s hood// The slow loris has even been known to hiss when confronted//℗