(B) Apes Classified by Family, Sub-Family and Genera (cont.)

Ape: Family II - Cebidae, Sub-Family 3: Pithiciniiae. Sakis (Saki Monkeys).

The third sub-family of American apes is composed of very peculiar forms, termed Sakis, which are subdivided into two genera, Pitchecia and Brachyurus, according as the tail is long or short. They are together distinguished from all the Cebidae yet noticed, by not having the tail prehensile, even when long; also by having the lower incisor teeth inclined forwards, instead of standing up vertically. Great differences as to the hair exist in this group, some having long hair over the whole body, others on the head, and others on the chin and cheeks, while a species of Brachyurus (B. calvus) has the head naturally bald.

Of the genus Pithecia, the following species have been described:-- Leucocephala, Rufiventer, Monachus, Satanas, Chiropotes, Albinasa, and Chrysocephala.

Of Brachyurus, besides Clavus, only Rubicundus has as yet been described.

The Brachyuri are the only American apes with short tails, and they are the least arboreal, frequenting bushes rather than trees. They are very timid creatures, and gentle, and rather slow in their movements. It is but very rarely that any of the Pitcheciinae have been brought to Europe alive.





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