Spider monkeys are New World monkeys. They are found in tropical forests from southern Mexico to Brazil. Spider monkeys are found in undisturbed areas of the forest where they can find ripe fruits. Spider monkeys are threatened by habitat destruction through continued growth in South American agriculture.

Spider monkeys got their name from their long, spindly limbs. Their tails may measure up to 89 centimeters and have highly flexible hairless tips. Their tails have skin grooves similar to fingerprints, which become almost like a fifth hand. Adults reach an average body length of 20 inches and a weight of 6.4 kilograms.

Spider monkeys have hook-like, narrow and thumb less hands, with long, curved fingers. The hair is coarse, ranging in color from a golden color to brown and black. Their hands and feet are usually black, and their heads are small with hairless faces.

Spider monkeys live in small groups. During the day, spider monkey groups break up into smaller subgroups of 2-8 individuals. Males tend to stick together for their whole life.

For the first four months of life, baby spider monkeys cling to their mother's belly. Soon after, they climb to her back, eventually developing enough independence to travel on their own.