Types of Spider Monkeys

Now we know the names of the different spider monkey species, we can look at their individual characteristics.

Geoffroy's Spider Monkey

This type of spider monkey measures between 30 to 65 cm (12-25.5"), with an additional tail length of between 60 and 85 cm (25.5-33"). The limbs are longer than many other spider monkeys. Their snout large, but their head is relatively small. They have brown or reddish fur, their face is lighter, especially around the mouth and eyes. The lower areas of the body also usually have lighter tones. They are known for their agility and ability to move swiftly through the forest canopy.

White-fronted spider monkey

They are characterized by extremities longer than the rest of their body. They have a prehensile tail that measures between 60 to almost 90 cm (25.5-35"). They weigh between 6 to 9 kg (13-20 lb), with males being generally larger than females. The former measure between 42 to 59 cm (16.5-23") and the latter from 34 to 59 cm (13-19.5"). They have a characteristic triangle of blond hair on their head with similar hue on their front. This adaptation may help them blend into their environment and avoid predators.

Red-faced spider monkey

Males are only slightly larger than females, with only about 0.5 cm (0.2") difference between the sexes, without considering the tail. The average weight of the males is a little more than 9 kg (20 lb) and that of the females about 8.4 kg (18.5 lb). Their fur is long and very dark black, with the exception of the face. This species is particularly noted for its vocalizations, which are used to communicate with other members of their group.

Brown spider monkey

The forelimbs are longer than the hindlimbs, the tail is long (c.75 cm or 30") and is also prehensile. They weigh an average of between 8 to 9 kg (17.5-20 lb) and measure 45 to 50 cm (17.5-19.5"), with males being slightly larger and heavier than females. They also have a white triangular patch on the forehead. The upper body can be light or dark brown while the lower parts and extremities are lighter. This coloration may provide camouflage in the dappled light of the forest understory.

White-cheeked spider monkey

Males weigh on average about 6.2 kg (13.5 lb) while females 5.8 kg (13 lb). In relation to their length, the former measure from 50 to 71 cm (20-28") and the tail is between 75 to 90 cm (29.5-34.5"). The latter measure from 35 to 58 cm (14-23"), while the tail from 62 to 77 cm (24.5-30"). The entire body is black in coloration, with white triangular patches on the forehead, snout, and cheeks. These monkeys are adept climbers, using their tails as a fifth limb to grasp branches.

Black-headed spider monkey

The limbs, like other types of spider monkey, are also long, but are characterized by being narrower. The tail, which is longer than the body, measures between 70 to 85 cm (27.5-33.5") in length, but the body averages only 40 to 55 cm (16-21.5"). The average weight of this type of spider monkey is 9 kg (20 lb), with no distinction between males and females in this regard. The coat is long and dark on top, but generally lighter on the bottom. The eyes and mouth are surrounded by pale coloration. Their diet includes a wide variety of fruits, making them important seed dispersers.

Peruvian spider monkey

This spider monkey is completely black and, due to the lack of fur around the eyes, mouth, and nose, it is the only other coloration that can be seen on the animal's body. It has a weight range between 7 and 9 kg (15.5-20 lb) and measures about 70 cm (27.5"). This species is known for its social behavior, living in groups that can include several dozen individuals.

Spider monkeys are primates that are distributed exclusively in the Americas. Here we provide the habitat distribution of each different type of spider monkey:

Geoffroy's Spider Monkey

Geoffroy's spider monkey lives in the following countries:

• Belize
• Costa Rica
• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras
• Mexico
• Nicaragua
• Panama

These monkeys are typically found in the tropical rainforests and prefer areas with high canopy coverage.

White-fronted spider monkey

This type of spider monkey we can find in:

• Brazil
• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Peru
• Venezuela

They inhabit dense, tropical rainforests and are adapted to life in the treetops.

Red-faced spider monkey

The red-faced spider monkey can be found in the following countries:

• Brazil
• Guiana
• French Guiana
• Surinam

This species is primarily located in undisturbed forests where they can find ample fruit and other food sources.

Brown spider monkey

The brown spider monkey's distribution is based solely on Colombia and Venezuela.

They are often found in fragmented forests and are highly susceptible to habitat loss, which poses a significant threat to their population.

White-cheeked spider monkey

The white-cheeked spider monkey is the only type of spider monkey that is exclusively in Brazil.

They thrive in the Amazon rainforest, utilizing the dense canopy for feeding and movement.

Black-headed spider monkey

The black-headed spider monkey is distributed in:

• Colombia
• Ecuador
• Panama

These monkeys are found in lowland and montane forests, often residing at higher altitudes than other species.

Peruvian spider monkey

Finally, the Peruvian black spider monkey can be seen in countries such as:

• Bolivia
• Brazil
• Peru

They are adaptable to various forest types but predominantly inhabit rainforests.

Take a look at the types of monkeys on another continent with our guide to the monkeys of India.

If you want to read similar articles to Types of Spider Monkeys, we recommend you visit our Facts about the animal kingdom category.