Aotidae – Night monkeys
The only nocturnal primates of the New World
New world monkeys are among the most species-rich lineages. They presumably arrived in Southern America through transoceanic dispersal during the Eocene.
The Aotidae family is of night monkeys classified in the genus Aotus grouped in a red-necked group and a gray-necked group containing several species. Previously due to a lack of chromosomal data, Genus Aotus was considered a subfamily within the Cebidae. The extinct species (fossil) can be traced to the early Miocene era.
They are relatively small-sized, with round heads, flat-rounded faces, large eyes, hidden ears, and long bushy (non-prehensile) tails that help them balance. Many Aotus species have been used for vaccine research, virological studies, and vision physiology.
Genera in this family
The only nocturnal primates of the New World