RANGE Mexico, Central America, and parts of northern South America, including Educador, Guiana, Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela
HABITAT Lowland rain and mountain forests, upper canopy
DIET Mainly fruits and nuts, some buds and flowers
The name "spider" refers to the monkey's appearance when in the trees and walking on all fours. Its arms are longer than its legs, aiding in locomotion through the trees.
The spider monkey's long prehensile tail is used as extra hand. The strong tail can hold on to virtually anything, giving the monkey support when suspended in the tall trees where it spends nearly all of its time.
Spider monkeys display many forms of visual communication by making faces to each other.
The major threat to this species is habitat loss. It also faces threats from the illegal pet trade and hunting.
