Pronunciation: [kˈalɪθɹˌɪks] (IPA) 
Callithrix is a genus of small, New World monkeys that are found mostly in South America. The word is spelled phonetically as /kæləθˈrɪks/ with a primary stress on the second syllable. The "c" in "callithrix" is followed by an "a" making a soft "k" sound. The "i" following the "c" is pronounced with a short "i" sound. The next syllable "thrix" is pronounced as "thrix" with the "h" sounding as an "h." The final "s" is silent.
Callithrix is a noun that refers to any of various small, often brightly colored, South American monkeys, comprising a genus of New World monkeys in the family Callitrichidae. The term is commonly used to describe the group of small primates that includes species like marmosets and tamarins.
These monkeys are native to the tropical rainforests of South and Central America, primarily found in Brazil, Peru, and other neighboring countries. Callithrix species are known for their diminutive size, typically ranging from 5 to 8 inches in height and weighing less than a pound. They have long tails and slender bodies, with a characteristic white or pale colored face and hands.
Typically social creatures, callithrix monkeys live in family groups consisting of a monogamous mating pair and their offspring. They are highly active and arboreal, spending most of their time in the trees. Due to their small size, they are able to move swiftly through the forest canopy, using their strong grasping tails and nimble limbs to catch insects, fruit, nectar, and small vertebrates.
Callithrix is a taxonomic classification, denoting a particular genus within the primate order. It encompasses a variety of species, each with its own distinct characteristics and adaptations. These monkeys are an important component of South American ecosystems, playing a role in seed dispersal and pollination, and are of scientific interest due to their unique social behaviors and ecological role.
The word "callithrix" has its origins in Greek. It is derived from the combination of two Greek words: "kallos" meaning "beauty" and "thrix" meaning "hair". Therefore, "callithrix" can be translated as "beautiful hair" or "beautiful mane". This name is often associated with a genus of small South American monkeys characterized by their beautiful fur.
