Cebidae (Sub-family of Primates)

Cebidae, from Greek κῆβος (kêbos, “a long-tailed monkey”), in reference to the long tails presents in these species.

Common names of members

Capuchins, squirrel monkeys, marmosets, tamarins, lion tamarins and owl monkeys.

Distribution

Throughout tropical and subtropical South and Central America.

Size

They have a medium body length of 33 to 56 cm and a medium weight of 2.5 to 3.9 kg.

Morphology

They are arboreal creatures that don't often travel on land. Their shapes and colors vary slightly, but they all have the same broad, flat noses. They typically possess prehensile tails, which aid in grasping branches, and exhibit a variety of dental patterns. Facial features include varying muzzle lengths and shapes, often with expressive eyes and mobile ears.

Habitat & Ecology

They live up to 2,400 meters in cloud forests, tropical rainforests, and primary and secondary forests.

Diet

These creatures have a diverse range of diets. Some are mostly frugivorous, while others are omnivores, consuming fruit, insects, and tree sap or gum. Occasionally, they will also consume small vertebrates.

Reproduction

Depending on the species, females in some give birth to one or two pups following a gestation period ranging from 130 to 170 days. They are gregarious animals that often live in groups of five to forty people, with the smaller species usually forming larger groups. In others, the term "cooperative polyandrous group" refers to the social structure. There are several males and females in these community breeding systems, but only one female is actively reproducing. Females share the burden of bearing children when they mate with multiple guys.