Which monkey genus includes the squirrel monkeys?

The squirrel monkeys belong to the genus Saimiri. They are small, highly social New World monkeys in the family Cebidae, native to tropical forests of Central and South America.

Saimiri is the only genus in the subfamily Saimiriinae. Depending on the taxonomic authority, several living species are recognized, including the common, black-capped, Central American, and black squirrel monkeys. Classification has changed over time as genetic and morphological studies have separated populations once treated as one species.

Squirrel monkeys are mainly arboreal and forage through the forest canopy for fruit, flowers, seeds, insects, spiders, eggs, and small vertebrates. Their white facial markings and dark crown help distinguish them from capuchins, another Cebidae group.

A common mix-up is confusing the genus with a species name: Saimiri is the group name, while names such as Saimiri boliviensis identify individual species. The alternatives listed—Alouatta, Aotus, and Cebus—are valid monkey genera, but they contain howler monkeys, night monkeys, and capuchins rather than squirrel monkeys.