 Slow lorises produce a secretion from their brachial gland ( a scent gland on the upper arm near the axilla ) that is licked and mixed with their saliva . In tests , three predators — binturongs , clouded leopards ( Neofelis nebulosa ) , and sun bears — retreated or showed other signs of displeasure when presented with cotton swabs anointed with a mixture of the toxic secretion and the saliva , whereas the toxic secretion alone generated mild interest . Before stashing their offspring in a secure location , female slow lorises will lick their brachial glands , and then groom their young with their toothcomb , depositing the toxin on their fur . When threatened , slow lorises may also lick their brachial glands and bite their aggressors , delivering the toxin into the wounds . Slow lorises can be reluctant to release their bite , which is likely to maximize the transfer of toxins . This toxic bite is a rare trait among mammals and unique to lorisid primates . It may also be used for defense against other slow lorises and parasites . According to Nekaris , this adaptation — along with vocalizations , movement , and coloration patterns similar to those of true cobras — may have evolved through Müllerian mimicry to protect slow lorises when they need to move across the ground due to breaks in the canopy . 
