Variegated Spider Monkey

The brown spider monkey or variegated spider monkey (Ateles hybridus) is a critically endangered species of spider monkey, a type of New World monkey, from forests in northern Colombia and northwestern Venezuela. Like all spider monkeys, it has long, slender limbs and a long prehensile tail. The brown spider monkey has a whitish belly and patch on the forehead, and – highly unusual among spider monkeys – its eyes can be pale blue. == Taxonomy == Some scientists recognize two subspecies, Ateles hybridus hybridus, found in both Colombia and Venezuela and Ateles hybridus brunneus, found between Cauca and Magdalena River in Colombia. Molecular studies have not supported the subspecies designations and treat the species as a single taxon. == Physical description == The brown spider monkey has long and thin limbs with longer forelimbs than hind limbs. It has a distinctive 75 cm (30 in) long flexible, thin and prehensile tail which at times acts like a fifth limb. The tail has a highly flexible, hairless tip with skin grooves which improves grip. Brown spider monkeys have four curved fingers and lack thumbs to help them swing from one tree to another. These features make it possible for it to…