On the taxonomic history and true identity of the collared titi, cheracebus torquatus (Hoffmannsegg, 1807) (Platyrrhini, Callicebinae)

Byrne, H; Rylands, AB; Nash, SD; Boubli, JP

Abstract

The collared titi, Cheracebus torquatus, is paradoxically the least well-defined of the so-called “torquatus group” of
Neotropical titi monkeys. Since its description by Hoffmannsegg in 1807, it has been re-characterized numerous times. In this
study, the true identity of Cheracebus torquatus is assessed based on a review of its taxonomic history and the observation of
100 skins from across the genus Cheracebus, including the holotype for C. torquatus. We propose that the C. torquatus type
specimen and type description fit most closely with widow monkeys found south of the Rio Solimões between the rios Juruá and
Purus, and we conclude that purinus Thomas, 1927, is a junior synonym of torquatus. This necessarily invalidates the torquatus
type locality, as defined by Hershkovitz, of Codajás, north (left) bank of the Solimões, and we thus restrict the type locality to
Aiapuá, left bank of the Rio Purus, Brazil. The left bank Rio Solimões populations that were previously classified as C. torquatus
(sensu Hershkovitz) are here included as lugens, and we redefine C. lugens to include all Cheracebus found north of the SolimõesJapurá-Caquetá. We discuss the broad phenotypic variation found across C. lugens specimens and the existence of three C.
lugens lineages in molecular phylogenies, as well as issues with the classification of other forms recognized by Hershkovitz. To
conclude, we currently consider the genus Cheracebus to comprise five widow monkey species—torquatus (formerly purinus),
regulus, lucifer, medemi and lugens.

Citation

Byrne, H., Rylands, A., Nash, S., & Boubli, J. (2020). On the taxonomic history and true identity of the collared titi, cheracebus torquatus (Hoffmannsegg, 1807) (Platyrrhini, Callicebinae). Primate conservation, 34, 13-52

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2020
• Deposit Date: Nov 3, 2021
• Journal: Primate Conservation
• Print ISSN: 0898-6207
• Volume: 34
• Pages: 13-52
• Publisher URL: http://www.primate-sg.org/storage/pdf/PC34_Byrne_et_al_identity_Cheracebus_torquatus.pdf
• Related Public URLs: http://www.primate-sg.org/primate_conservation/
• Additional Information: Access Information : This article can be read for free using the link above.