Cebuella is a genus of New World monkeys representing a small group of species commonly known as pygmy marmosets. These primates are native to the western Amazon Basin and are characterized by their diminutive size, making them the smallest monkeys in the world. The genus Cebuella comprises two recognized species: the common pygmy marmoset (Cebuella pygmaea) and the white-fronted marmoset (Cebuella niveiventris).
Pygmy marmosets are distinguished by their miniature stature, measuring around 5 to 6 inches in length and weighing only 100-125 grams. They possess long tails and have a characteristic palette of colors, including shades of brown, gray, and white, with distinctive facial markings. Their small size allows them to nimbly traverse the forest canopy, using their specialized claws and strong gripping ability to cling to branches.
Cebuella species are highly arboreal and live in small social groups, typically consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring. They are primarily frugivorous, feeding on fruits, nectar, and plant exudates, but also consume small insects and the occasional small vertebrate. Their diet, coupled with their energetic nature, enables them to maintain their high metabolic rate and fulfill their nutritional needs.
Due to their tiny size, Cebuella species are susceptible to predation by larger birds, snakes, and other mammals. They have developed a series of defense mechanisms, such as emitting alarm calls, using their sharp teeth, and utilizing their unique reproductive strategies, including cooperative care and reproductive suppression.
Cebuella monkeys are both ecologically and taxonomically significant, contributing to the biodiversity and evolutionary history of the Amazon rain
