The genus Callicebus
Callicebus is a genus of monkeys known as titi monkeys.
Historically, titis were monogeneric, comprising only the genus Callicebus Thomas, 1903. Owing to the great diversity found across titi monkey species, a new genus-level taxonomy was recently proposed that recognises three genera within the subfamily Callicebinae; Cheracebus Byrne et al., 2016 for the species of the torquatus group (Widow titis); Plecturocebus Byrne et al., 2016 for the Amazonian and Chaco titis of the moloch and donacophilus groups; and Callicebus Thomas, 1903 sensu stricto, for species of the Atlantic Forest personatus group.
In 2014, a previously unknown orange Callicebus was spotted in the Peruvian Amazon; it has not been determined whether this constitutes a color variant or a new species.
Species
There are 5 species in this genus:
- Barbara Brown's titi monkey, Callicebus barbarabrownae;
- Coimbra Filho's titi monkey, Callicebus coimbrai;
- Coastal black-handed titi monkey, Callicebus melanochir;
- Black-fronted titi monkey, Callicebus nigrifrons;
- Atlantic titi monkey, Callicebus personatus.
Appearance
Callicebus is a genus of platyrrhine primates and are known by the name of marmosets.
Callicebus are the smallest and oldest members of the family and differ markedly in several respects, such as their jaw structure. These primates are between 23 and 46 cm long, with a tail longer than the rest of the body. Their fur is long, soft and usually red, brown, grey or black; the underside is lighter than the top.
Behaviour
Callicebus are diurnal animals that usually live near bodies of water. They live in small family groups of up to 7 individuals, consisting of parents and their young. The main food of jumpers is fruit, but they also eat leaves, flowers, insects, bird eggs and small invertebrates.
Callicebus are monogamous and usually form lifelong pairs. Pregnancy lasts five months, with one or rarely two young. About 30 species of Callicebus are known.
