allogrooming

Allogrooming is a type of animal behavior where individuals of the same species clean and maintain each other's appearance. This mutual grooming is a significant aspect of social behavior, often strengthening bonds within a group or colony. For example, a female rhesus monkey might allogroom a male to reduce his aggression, or a mare and foal may allogroom each other after birth. This behavior can be ritualized and transformed into signals of conciliation and bonding. Allogrooming is distinct from self-grooming, such as a bird preening its feathers.123