Ateles paniscus (Linnaeus, 1758)

Scientific Classification and Adult Appearance

The red-faced spider monkey, scientific name Ateles paniscus (Linnaeus, 1758), has long black hair, and a hairless red or pink face with only a few short white hairs.

Juvenile Coloration

Infant red-faced spider monkeys are born with dark faces, which lighten in color as they grow older.

Sexual Dimorphism

This species shows very little sexual dimorphism.

Size and Weight

On average, males have a head-body length of 55.7 cm (21.9 in) and weigh around 9.1 kg (20 lb), while females have an average head-body length of 55.2 cm (21.7 in) and weigh around 8.4 kg (19 lb).

Limb and Tail Morphology

This species has a prehensile, grasping tail, along with long, agile, strong limbs and fingers.

Habitat Preference

The red-faced spider monkey is a habitat specialist that lives in undisturbed primary rainforests.

Geographic Range

Its range covers northern Brazil, Suriname, Guyana, French Guiana, and Venezuela.

Canopy Behavior

Thanks to its climbing and jumping abilities, it typically lives in the upper layers of rainforest trees and forages in the high canopy.