The largest of the spider monkeys, the black spider monkey is also distinguished by its long, glossy black hair, which gives the body a robust, rather ape-like appearance Like other spider monkeys, it is a large but slender monkey with a pot belly, long, spider-like limbs, and a long, prehensile tail, which is used like a fifth limb. The underside of the tail tip is hairless and bears wrinkles and ridges which aid in gripping, while hook-like hands and an extra mobile shoulder joint help the black spider monkey to swing easily beneath branches . The head is fairly small, with a prominent muzzle, and the virtually bare face is red or pink in colour . Infants have a darker face, which gradually lightens with age 4. In general, male and female spider monkeys can be difficult to distinguish, particularly as the female can be mistaken for a male due to an unusually elongated clitoris.
The black spider monkey was formerly classified as a single species with the similar Peruvian spider monkey (Ateles chamek), but the two are now considered distinct . The vocalisations of the black spider monkey include whinnying calls, dog-like barks, and a loud, far-carrying ‘whoop’.
Also known asGuiana spider monkey, red-faced black spider monkey, red-faced spider monkey.
The black spider monkey was formerly classified as a single species with the similar Peruvian spider monkey (Ateles chamek), but the two are now considered distinct . The vocalisations of the black spider monkey include whinnying calls, dog-like barks, and a loud, far-carrying ‘whoop’.
Also known asGuiana spider monkey, red-faced black spider monkey, red-faced spider monkey.