How Do You Spell ATELES BELZEBUTH?

Pronunciation: [ˈe͡ɪtə͡lz bˈɛlzɪbˌʌθ] (IPA)

The species of monkey known as Ateles belzebuth often causes difficulties when it comes to spelling. Its scientific name is pronounced [əˈtiːliːz ˈbɛlzəbuːθ], with the first syllable being pronounced like "uh" and the second like "tee," followed by "leez." The second word, "belzebuth," is pronounced like "bel-zuh-both," with the emphasis on the first syllable. While the spelling may not be intuitive, taking the time to learn the IPA phonetic transcription for this word can help ensure accuracy and clarity when discussing this unique primate.

ATELES BELZEBUTH Meaning and Definition

1. Ateles belzebuth, commonly known as the white-bellied spider monkey, is a species of spider monkey found in parts of South America. They are characterized by their long limbs, prehensile tail, and spider-like appearance, from which they derive their name.

   The white-bellied spider monkey has a black or dark brown body with a distinctive white or yellowish patch on the belly, thus the specific epithet "belzebuth" which means "white-belly" in French. They have a slender build with a pronounced sexual dimorphism, with males generally being larger and heavier than females.

   In terms of habitat, Ateles belzebuth is typically found in tropical rainforests, particularly those situated within the Amazon basin. They inhabit the upper canopy layers and are highly arboreal, rarely descending to the forest floor. The species is known for their skillful brachiation, swinging from branch to branch using their long arms.

   White-bellied spider monkeys are primarily frugivorous, with their diet consisting mainly of fruits, seeds, leaves, and flowers. They are an important seed disperser for many trees in their habitat, thus playing a crucial role in maintaining forest biodiversity.

   Due to habitat loss, hunting, and poaching, Ateles belzebuth is currently classified as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Conservation efforts are focused on protected areas, monitoring, and education to promote the long-term survival of this species.

Etymology of ATELES BELZEBUTH

The word "Ateles belzebuth" consists of two components: "Ateles" and "belzebuth".

1. Ateles: The term "Ateles" is derived from the Greek words "a-" meaning "lacking" or "without", and "telos" meaning "end" or "goal". It refers to a genus of primates known as "spider monkeys", specifically found in Central and South America. The name likely refers to their long limbs, which resemble those of a spider.

2. Belzebuth: "Belzebuth" is a variant of "Beelzebub", a term derived from the Hebrew "Ba'al Zebub", meaning "lord of flies" or "lord of the flies". In various religious traditions and mythologies, Beelzebub is often portrayed as a demonic figure or a powerful prince of demons.