ExploreMammals

Geoffroy's spider monkey

Ateles geoffroyi

Geoffroy's spider monkeys are playful and agile monkeys found in the trees of Central America. They have long arms and tails that help them swing from branch to branch with ease!

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Geoffroy's spider monkey has a slender body with long, gangly limbs and an exceptionally long, grasping tail. Its fur color varies from light brown, reddish, or dark brown to black, often with a paler underside and a dark, hairless face. A small, vestigial thumb makes their hands appear hook-like.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassMammaliaOrderPrimatesFamilyAtelidaeGenusAteles
Geoffroy's spider monkey
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Geoffroy's spider monkey

Category

Mammals

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 Β· Low

Snaps

Be the first to snap!

Interesting facts

Each Geoffroy's spider monkey has unique facial markings, like a fingerprint!

Spider monkeys are among the most intelligent New World monkeys!

Their tails are so strong, they can hang upside down for long periods!

These monkeys spend almost their entire lives high up in the forest treetops!

Special abilities

Ability

Tail Gripper

Geoffroy's spider monkey has a strong, hairless-tipped prehensile tail that helps them securely grip branches and hang upside down.

Ability

Forest Acrobat

Geoffroy's spider monkey can swing incredibly fast and far using its long arms, allowing it to navigate the canopy with amazing agility.

Ability

Seed Planter

Geoffroy's spider monkey eats many fruits, dispersing their seeds through its droppings and helping new forest plants grow.

Ability

Thumb-less Grip

Geoffroy's spider monkey has only a tiny, vestigial thumb, giving its hands a hook-like grip perfect for brachiating.

Measurements & details

Length
35-60 cm
Weight
6-9 kg
Lifespan
20-25 years
Top Speed
25 km/h
Litter Size
1
Gestation
226-232 days

Diet & Feeding

These monkeys mostly eat delicious ripe fruits, but also enjoy leaves and flowers for energy.

Age differences: Infants consume mother's milk, slowly adding fruits and leaves as they mature.

Primary Foods

  • ripe fruits
  • young leaves
  • flowers
  • nectar
  • termites

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Jaguar

Panthera onca

A powerful apex predator in their forest habitat.

eaten by

Harpy Eagle

Harpia harpyja

A large raptor that preys on monkeys from above.

eaten by

Puma

Puma concolor

An agile cat hunting in trees and on the ground.

depends on

Tropical Fig

Ficus insipida

Monkeys eat its fruit and disperse seeds.

Traits

Also known as

Black-handed spider monkeyGeoffroy's monkey

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 Β· Low

Always watch from a distance and never try to touch wild animals.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Geoffroy's spider monkey?

The easiest way to identify Geoffroy's spider monkey is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Geoffroy's spider monkey?

35-60 cm

How much does Geoffroy's spider monkey weigh?

6-9 kg

How long does Geoffroy's spider monkey live?

20-25 years

How fast can Geoffroy's spider monkey move?

25 km/h

What does Geoffroy's spider monkey eat?

These monkeys mostly eat delicious ripe fruits, but also enjoy leaves and flowers for energy.

Where is Geoffroy's spider monkey usually found?

Forests

How does Geoffroy's spider monkey hunt?

Foraging

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Where to spot

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