Spider Monkeys - Appearance
Spider monkeys are arboreal monkeys of tropical America with long slender legs and long prehensile tail. Some biologists divided the genus Ateles into several species, but for others there is only one name for ateles that is valid (Ateles Paniscus). Nowadays science distinguishes 6 species of spider monkeys:
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Picture source:
Planet of the Monkeys
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- Belzebuth (white-bellied or long-haired);
- Chamek (black-faced);
- Fusciceps (black-headed or brown-headed);
- Geoffroyi (black-handed);
- Marginatus (white-whiskers);
- Paniscus (black or red-faced).
Spider monkeys' appearance varies with species, and sometimes within species. All spider monkeys are extremely mobile and highly specialized for the jungle way of life. They have a slender body with long arms and legs, small head with a substantial muzzle and a tail that functions as a fifth limb. The tail is longer than the body and very strong and capable of precise and agile movements. The monkeys can pick up things with the tail. And, even the tip of the tail can support the entire body weight of a Spider monkey. Spider monkeys have either no thumbs or sometimes rudimentary ones, but great finger prehensibility. The neck is flexible due to the elongated vertebrae.
Spider Monkeys - General Information Links
Americazoo - Description of Spider Monkeys found in the America zoo.
Animals of the Caribbean Gardens: Ateles geoffroyi (Black-handed Spider Monkey) - includes facts on the description, behavior and diet of Spider monkeys.
Animals. Spider Monkeys - Surveys characteristic features of Spider Monkeys.
Anthmark: Ateles (Spider Monkeys) - general information with photos and useful links.
Ateles Geoffroyi or Spider Monkeys - Detailed information about the spider monkey with photos and sounds
Black-handed Spider Monkeys - Presents deep study of the Spider Monkey's communication, mimics and social behavior.
Iwokrama Mammals - Contains facts concerning Black spider monkeys.
Monkey Facts: Ateles (Spider Monkey) - Presents interesting facts about spider monkeys way of life.
Monkeys! Monkeys! - Detailed information on all species of monkeys.
New World Acrobat-the Spider Monkey - Information about Brookfield Zoo spider monkeys.
New World Monkeys - Detailed study of all modern species of monkeys and their relationships.
Oakland Zoo - Gives information on special anatomical, physiological and behavioral adaptation.
Primate Images - Presents pictures and description of spider monkeys.
Primates - Detailed study of all living and extinct monkeys with lots of links.
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Picture source:
Mindy's Memory Primate Sanctuary Inc
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Primates of the World - Spider monkey's relationships with other primates.
Rainforest Image Centre: Ateles geoffroyi (Black-handed Spider Monkey) - General information about Spider monkeys with pictures, sounds and video.
Red-bellied Spider Monkeys - Interesting facts about the Red-bellied spider monkeys.
Roosevelt Park Zoo - Description of the zoo's spider monkeys.
Sedgwick County Zoo: Ateles fusciceps (Colombian Black Spider Monkey) - General information on the diet, behavior and reproduction of Spider monkeys.
Wellington Zoo - Presents unique features and interesting facts about spider monkeys.
Zookeeper's Journal - presents description, information on the social structure, group size and behavior of Spider monkeys.
