How to draw a squirrel monkey, and learn about its characteristics.
Download Worksheet: How to Draw a Squirrel Monkey
Squirrel monkeys are primates.
Primates are mammals that have relatively large brains, opposable thumbs, and keen color vision. Humans are also primates.
Squirrel monkeys are included in a group called New World monkeys because they live in Central and South America. Old World monkeys are those which live in the continents of Asia and Africa.
Squirrel monkeys have prehensile tails. This means their tails can wrap around—and hold onto—things like branches.
Squirrel monkeys are arboreal: living, eating, and raising offspring in trees. They live in tropical rainforests, which are warm and rainy. They are omnivorous, eating mainly fruit and insects.
Squirrel monkeys are diurnal. That is, they sleep at night and are active during the day.
Squirrel monkeys are very social, living in groups of up to 500 individuals. They communicate with each other through a variety of vocal calls.