Cercopithecinae
Quick Summary
The subfamily Cercopithecinae, commonly known as Old World monkeys, is part of the family Cercopithecidae. This group includes a diverse range of species such as baboons, macaques, and guenons. Cercopithecines are characterized by their narrow noses with downward-facing nostrils and the presence of ischial callosities, or "sitting pads," on their buttocks.1
Guenons, belonging to the genus Cercopithecus, are a notable example within this subfamily. These are slender, graceful African monkeys known for their distinctive white or brightly colored markings and nonprehensile tails. They are typically arboreal forest dwellers, living in social groups and foraging on leaves, fruits, and insects. Many species are known for their hardiness and are often found in zoos. The term "cercopith" itself is a general term for a monkey of the family Cercopithecidae.23
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.
