Hypometabolism in Aotus trivirgatus (Primates, Plathyrhini, Cebidae)]

The standard metabolism of Aotus trivirgatus (Night monkey, Owl monkey) is 22.5 to 46.2 per cent below Kleiber's prevision curve for mammals, which applies to other cebid monkeys like Saimiri sciureus and Alouatta. However the metabolic rate of Aotus is not reduced to the extent found in two hypometabolic prosimians Perodicticus potto and Nycticebus coucang. The low metabolism in Aotus is associated with a normal body temperature and a thick fur of high insulating power. These results are discussed.