Black spider monkey  (Ateles paniscus)

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 (4) (5). 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 (2) (4) (6) (7) (8). The head is fairly small, with a prominent muzzle, and the virtually bare face is red or pink in colour (2) (4) (5) (6). 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 (6) (7) (8).

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 (1) (4) (5). The vocalisations of the black spider monkey include whinnying calls, dog-like barks, and a loud, far-carrying ‘whoop’ (4) (5) (6).