Drunk butterflies and inebriated elephants: Animals also consume alcohol

The Bicyclus anynana butterfly, native to East Africa, derives part of its diet from fermented nectar of a palm known for producing high levels of alcohol. Across the globe in North America, American waxwings have been observed flying erratically and colliding with objects. Necropsies of some of these birds revealed atrophied livers, likely from consuming overripe, fermented berries. In laboratory studies, male and female flies from various Drosophila species have shown shifts toward more solitary or promiscuous behavior when exposed to ethanol.

A review of current scientific knowledge highlights that alcohol consumption in the animal kingdom is more common than previously believed. Dozens of species, including mammals, birds, and insects, show a preference for fruit or nectar containing some level of alcohol. The reasons for ingesting this potentially toxic and dangerous substance range from seeking a source of calories to exhibiting disinhibited behavior, similar to that seen in humans.

Until the beginning of this century, even the scientific community believed that the consumption of a substance as objectively harmful as alcohol was a uniquely human phenomenon. This was considered a universal behavior; archaeological sites from diverse cultures have revealed evidence of beer, wine, or other drinks made by fermenting the sugar in fruit to produce ethanol.

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