Class: Mammalia

Order: Primates

Scientific Name: Callithrix geoffroyi

Range: South Eastern Brazil

Habitat: Secondary Lowlands and sub-montane forest. Evergreen and semi deciduous forest

Diet: Wild: Fruits, insects, plant gums, flowers, nectar, frogs, snails, and spiders
Zoo: Primate Biscuits, banana, grapes, yam, mealworms, and gum arabic

Gestation: 140-148 days

Litter: 1-3

Life Span: 5-10 years in the wild, 7-16 years in captivity

Description: Small Primate measuring about 200 mm in length. Females usually weigh about 190 grams and males weigh about 230 to 350 grams. Their bodies are blackish brown and their tail is ringed with grey and black bands. Adults have a white face and throat. Juveniles do not have white markings until they are about five months old.

Behavior: These mammals are diurnal so they are out during the day. They live in groups of 4-6 individuals. During the wet season, most of their time is spent resting. During the dry season most of their time is spent foraging.

Reproduction: There is typically a dominant male and female in the group who will form a monogamous bond with each other. Only they will breed. They have 1-3 offspring at a time. Litters can be produced approximately every six months and they can breed year round. Offspring reach reproductive maturity at 15-18 months old.

Did You Know? These marmosets have been reported to follow swarms of army ants in order to catch the insects that the ants flush out.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the RainForest Atrium at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.