MARMOSETS 



3.59 



and tlat noses, they differ by having their cheek-teeth numerically equivalent to 

 those of Old World monkeys, that is to say they have an extra pair of these teeth 

 in each jaw. They are further distinguished by having claws on all the fingers 

 and toes except the great toe, as well as by the frequent presence of tufts of 

 long hair on the ears. In appearance and habits marmosets are more like 

 squirrels than monkeys. They are divided into two generic groups according to the 

 length of the lower tusks or canines as compared with the incisors, the 

 short-tusked marmosets having 

 the lower canines not longer 

 than the incisors. The com- 

 monest of these is the ouistiti 

 (Hapalejacchus), which inhabits 

 the island of Marajo at the 

 mouth of the Amazon, and 

 belongs to a group of ring- 

 tailed species whose ears are fc 

 the most part bald, but provideu 

 on the front edge with a broad 

 tuft, the hair on both sides of 

 the upper part of the head being- 

 lengthened and the back being 

 marked with light and dark 

 cross-bands. Another marmoset 

 from the same district is the 

 black-eared H.penicillata, some- 

 times regarded merely as a local 

 race of the last, from which it 

 differs by the black ear-tufts 

 This marmoset is very common. 

 On the other hand the black- 

 tailed marmoset (H. melanura) 

 of Brazil and Bolivia is a very 

 rare form. 



The long-tusked marmosets, 

 or those with the lower canines 

 taller than the incisors, are 

 generally known as tamarins. 



One of the best known is the Negro tamarin (Midas ursulu.s) inhabiting 

 the valley of the lower Amazon near Para, where it is often seen in the 

 woods bordering the suburban streets. There are about twenty species of 

 tamarins, the most beautiful being the silky tamarin or marakina (M, rosalia), 

 which has a mane like that of a lion. In colour it is a rich glossy golden yellow 

 with purple hands, feet, and face. There are several varieties, the smallest of 

 which is only 7 inches long. It ranges from south-eastern Brazil through 

 Colombia to the isthmus of Panama. The recently discovered calimito has the 

 form of a marmoset with the teeth of a squirrel monkey. 



SILKY TAMARIN 



