Capuchin monkeys are members the mammalian Order Primates and the genus Cebus. They are classified with the night monkeys, squirrel monkeys, and howler monkeys within the Family Cebidae, which has a total of 11 genera and 58 species. Members of the Family Cebidae are more commonly known as "ring-tailed monkeys" because the tails are prehensile and in the relaxed state are ring-shaped. Capuchin monkeys are "New World monkeys." New World monkeys are found only in the Western Hemisphere. How many of you saw "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and remember the little monkey who spied on Indy and Marion, returned the "Hitler salute" and later ate the poisoned dates? That was a capuchin; but since capuchins don't live in northern Africa where the film takes place, it would seem that we found an error in animal distribution that the Mr. Spielberg didn't consider when he directed the film. J Capuchins, in particular, range from northern South American north to southern Mexico, depending on the species. Capuchin monkeys are sonamed because the distinctive crown of hair resembles the cowl, or capuche, of a certain order of Franciscan friars.

There are four species of capuchin monkeys, they are:

· Cebus capuchinus (Linneaus, 1758) - This is the one most commonly seen in the United States as pets in those states that permit them. It is commonly known as the "white-faced" or "white-throated" capuchin. In the wild, the range of C. capuchinus extends from Honduras south to South America and then west to western Ecuador.

· Cebus apella (Linneaus, 1758), otherwise known as the "black-capped" or "tufted capuchin. It ranges throughout northern and central South America.

· Cebus olivaceus (Schomburgk, 1848) is more commonly referred to as the "weeper" or "wedge-capped" capuchin. They range from northern Columbia and Guyana in north central South America down the southeastern coast and into northern Brazil.

· Cebus albiferons (Humboldt, 1812) is the other commonly known species in the United States. Its native habitat includes Columbia and Venezuela extending south and southeast into northwest Brazil.

Capuchins are extremely intelligent monkeys, demonstrating cue-producing behaviors and the use of tools. It is this innate intelligence and generally even temperament that makes them excellent choices when monkeys are needed for film and television roles. Capuchins are, in fact, the stereotypical "organ grinder monkeys."