Spider Monkey
Ateles geoffroyii
- Where
- Central and South America from Mexico to Ecuador
- Habitat
- Tropical rainforests and cloud forests
- Diet
- Fruits, leaves, flowers, and insects
- Size
- 2-4 feet long (including tail), 11-20 pounds
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in wild, up to 30 years in captivity
- Conservation
- Listed as Endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and capture for the pet trade
Fun Facts
- Their prehensile tails act like a fifth hand, helping them grasp branches
- Spider monkeys are expert brachiators - they swing through trees using their arms and tail
- They have no thumbs, but use their flexible fingers to manipulate food
Learn More
The spider monkey's prehensile tail is longer than its body
Their fur ranges from brown to reddish-brown with white faces
Adults have a distinctive bald face and prominent eyes