| Callithrix[1][2] | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) | |
Scientific classification | |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Mammalia |
| Order: | Primates |
| Suborder: | Haplorhini |
| Infraorder: | Simiiformes |
| Family: | Callitrichidae |
| Genus: | Callithrix Erxleben, 1777 |
| Type species | |
| Simia jacchus Linnaeus, 1758 | |
| Species | |
6; see text | |
| Synonyms | |
| |
Callithrix is agenus ofNew World monkeys of the familyCallitrichidae, the family containingmarmosets andtamarins. The genus contains theAtlantic Forest marmosets. The nameCallithrix is derived from the Greek wordskallos, meaning beautiful, andthrix, meaning hair.
The generaMico andCallibella were formerly considered a subgenus of the genusCallithrix.[2][3]Callithrix differs fromMico in dental morphology and geographic distribution;Callithrix species are distributed near the Atlantic coast of Brazil, whileMico species are distributed further inland.[4]Callithrix differs fromCallibella in these features, as well as in size, withCallithrix species being significantly larger.[4]Callithrix species differ from the tamarins of the genusSaguinus in thatCallithrix has enlarged mandibularincisor teeth the same size as thecanine teeth, which are used for gouging holes in trees to extractexudates.[5]
Some authorities, including Rosenberger (1981), believe that thepygmy marmoset, genusCebuella, should be included withinCallithrix on the basis of genetic studies, althoughCebuella is significantly smaller thanCallithrix.[2][4]
In general,Callithrix andMico 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 variousCallithrix species.C. jacchus andC. pencillata typically have home territories less than 10hectares, while otherCallithrix species tend to have larger home territories.[4]
The genus includes these species:
| Common name | Scientific name and subspecies | Range | Size and ecology | IUCN status and estimated population |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Common marmoset
| Callithrix jacchus (Linnaeus, 1758) | Brazil, in the states of Piaui, Paraiba, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Pernambuco, Alagoas and Bahia. | Size: Habitat: Diet: | LC |
| Black-tufted marmoset
| Callithrix penicillata (É. Geoffroy, 1812) | Brazil from Bahia to Paraná | Size: Habitat: Diet: | LC |
| Wied's marmoset
| Callithrix kuhlii Coimbra-Filho, 1985 | eastern Brazil | Size: Habitat: Diet: | VU |
| White-headed marmoset
| Callithrix geoffroyi (Humboldt, 1812) | eastern Brazil | Size: Habitat: , Diet: | LC |
| Buffy-headed marmoset
| Callithrix flaviceps (Thomas, 1903) | Brazil from southern Espírito Santo and possibly northern Rio de Janeiro and its distribution extends into Minas Gerais | Size: Habitat: Diet: | CR |
| Buffy-tufted marmoset
| Callithrix aurita (É. Geoffroy, 1812) | southeast Brazil | Size: Habitat: Diet: | EN |
Exudates, such as gum and sap, fruit, nectar, and fungi make up the bulk ofCallthrix species' diet, but they also eat animal prey such asarthropods, young birds, and smalllizards andfrogs. 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. Theirintestines also have an enlarged, complexcecum that allows them to digest gums more efficiently than most other animals. The ability ofCallithrix species to feed on exudates allows them to survive in areas where fruit is highly seasonal or not readily available. Some species, such asC. jacchus andC. pencillata, have been known to inhabit city parks, backyards, and coconut plantations.[4]
Callithrix females generally give birth to two, and sometimes more infants at a time. They canovulate and conceive within 2-4 weeks after giving birth, and ovulation is not inhibited bylactation.Polygyny is known to occur in severalCallithrix species.Infanticide is also known to occur, at least withinC. 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.[4]
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
