[2] The primary distinguishing feature of the atelines is their long prehensile tails, which can support their entire body weight.

They live in groups, show amicable intergroup relations, and can coalesce into large aggregations for extended periods of time.

[2] Those species relying most heavily on patchily distributed fruit trees have the largest ranges.

[2] These animals are characterized by a slow reproduction rate: females only bear young once every two to four years.

Many species are hunted for their meat, and the destruction of their habitat likewise endangers them;[2] the spider monkey already stands at the edge of extermination.