The spider monkey, or coaita, is any American monkey of the genus
Ateles or
Ateleus, characterized by slenderness and agility. They frequent in small bands the tallest forest trees, moving swiftly by astonishing leaps, sprawling out like spiders, and catching by their perfectly prehensile tails. Most are black or nearly so, with the face shaded by projecting hair, which is either light or dark in color. They are mild, intelligent, and make interesting pets. Ten species of spider monkeys occur between southern Brazil and central Mexico, of which the Amazonian red-faced and the Mexican one are best known. Their food is mainly fruits and insects, and their flesh is eaten.
