Callithrix

''Callithrix'' is a genus of New World monkeys of the family Callitrichidae, the family containing marmosets and tamarins. The genus contains the Atlantic Forest marmosets. The name ''Callithrix'' is derived from the Greek words ''kallos'', meaning beautiful, and ''thrix'', meaning hair.

Taxonomy

The genera ''Mico'' and '' Callibella'' were formerly considered a subgenus of the genus ''Callithrix''. ''Callithrix'' differs from ''Mico'' in dental morphology and geographic distribution; ''Callithrix'' species are distributed near the Atlantic coast of Brazil, while ''Mico'' species are distributed further inland. ''Callithrix'' differs from ''Callibella'' in these features, as well as in size, with ''Callithrix'' species being significantly larger. ''Callithrix'' species differ from the tamarins of the genus ''Saguinus'' in that ''Callithrix'' has enlarged mandibular incisor teeth the same size as the canine teeth, which are used for gouging holes in trees to extract exudates.

Some authorities, including Rosenberger (1981), believe that the pygmy marmoset, genus ''Cebuella'', should be included within ''Callithrix'' on the basis of genetic studies, although ''Cebuella'' is significantly smaller than ''Callithrix''.

In general, ''Callithrix'' and ''Mico'' species tend to form larger groups and live within smaller home ranges, thus live in higher population densities, than other callitrichids, but these statistics can vary dramatically among various ''Callithrix'' species. ''C. jacchus'' and ''C. pencillata'' typically have home territories less than 10 hectares, while other ''Callithrix'' species tend to have larger home territories.

Species

The genus includes these species:

Ecology

Exudates, such as gum and sap, fruit, nectar, and fungi make up the bulk of ''Callthrix'' species' diet, but they also eat animal prey such as arthropods, young birds, and small lizards and frogs. They are specialized for exploiting exudates by their elongated, chisel-like lower incisors and a wide jaw gape that allows them to gouge bark of trees that produce gums. Their intestines also have an enlarged, complex cecum that allows them to digest gums more efficiently than most other animals. The ability of ''Callithrix'' species to feed on exudates allows them to survive in areas where fruit is highly seasonal or not readily available. Some species, such as ''C. jacchus'' and ''C. pencillata'', have been known to inhabit city parks, backyards, and coconut plantations.

Breeding

''Callithrix'' females generally give birth to two, and sometimes more infants at a time. They can ovulate and conceive within 2-4 weeks after giving birth, and ovulation is not inhibited by lactation. Polygyny is known to occur in several ''Callithrix'' species. Infanticide is also known to occur, at least within ''C. jacchus'', in which the dominant female kills the offspring of a subordinate female. Females generally reach sexual maturity between 12 and 17 months, and males between 15 and 25 months.

References

{{Taxonbar, from=Q1064620

Primates of South America
Primate genera
Taxa named by Johann Christian Polycarp Erxleben
Taxa described in 1777