When you picture monkeys, you might imagine expressive eyes, playful movements or charming little faces. But across the primate family tree are species with looks so unusual that they make people stop, stare, and sometimes laugh—or recoil.

Yet these monkeys aren’t “ugly” because evolution made mistakes.
They’re “ugly” because nature prioritizes survival over aesthetics.

Oversized noses, bald heads, giant eyes and unusual fur patterns are not flaws. They’re finely tuned adaptations shaped by millions of years of evolution.

Below are 10 monkey species often labeled the “ugliest”—and the fascinating biological reasons behind their unconventional appearances.

1. Proboscis Monkey

Why the strange look?

• The large nose works like a built-in amplifier, helping males attract females.

• It also helps warn rival males by producing deeper, louder calls.

These monkeys are excellent swimmers, thanks to partially webbed feet—an adaptation to their swampy Bornean habitat.

2. Bald Uakari

The bald uakari’s shocking red face and hairless head make it look like a sunburnt human.

Why so red?

In the Amazon:

• A bright red face signals strong health and a robust immune system.

• Pale or blotchy faces indicate illness.

To uakaris, a bright red face is not ugly—it’s attractive.

3. Snub-nosed Monkey

With their upturned noses and almost flat faces, snub-nosed monkeys look like someone forgot to finish sculpting their features.

Adapted for extreme cold

Found in high-altitude Asian mountains, their flat noses:

• Prevent snow and cold air from entering the nostrils

• Reduce frostbite risk

Their thick fur coats help them survive freezing winters where few primates dare to live.

4. Tarsier

The tarsier’s enormous eyes give it a permanently startled expression. Each eye is larger than its brain.

The evolutionary trade-off

• Huge eyes = exceptional night vision

• Eyes cannot rotate, so the tarsier can twist its head 180 degrees like an owl

Their peculiar features make them spectacular nocturnal hunters.

5. Mandrill

Mandrills look like they’re wearing clown makeup gone wrong: neon-blue ridges, bright red noses, and massive yellow fangs.

Why so colorful?

• Bright facial colors signal dominance and health

• During breeding season, males’ colors intensify dramatically

What humans find strange is, in mandrill society, a powerful visual advertisement.

6. Saki Monkey

Function of the odd look

• Dense fur helps them hide in rainforest canopies

• Their contrasting faces break up their outline, aiding camouflage

Their unusual expressions are simply side effects of a survival-ready design.

7. Gelada

Red chest = social status

• Dominant males have brighter, more saturated red patches

• The chest patch acts like a visual ranking badge

Geladas graze like cows in the Ethiopian highlands, making them one of the most unique monkeys on Earth.

8. Rhesus Macaque

Rhesus macaques don’t look extremely strange, but their wrinkled faces and often mischievous expressions give them a reputation for being “mean-looking.”

Adaptability over beauty

They thrive in nearly any environment:

• Forests

• Cities

• Temples

• Tourist hotspots

Their boldness often leads to conflict with humans—another reason some people consider them “unappealing.”

9. Japanese Macaque (Snow Monkey)

Snow monkeys have pink, hairless faces that stand out against their thick winter fur, giving them a perpetually grouchy look.

But why the bare face?

• Enhances facial expression for communication

• Aids in social bonding within complex groups

Their habit of bathing in hot springs makes them one of the most photogenic “ugly” monkeys.

10. Spectacled Langur

With white rings around their eyes, spectacled langurs look like they applied eyeliner for the first time—or are permanently surprised.

Why the “spectacles”?

Biologists aren’t entirely certain, but possibilities include:

• Species recognition

• Infant protection

• Visual communication

They live high in Southeast Asian forests and feed mostly on leaves.

Final Thoughts: “Ugly” Is Still Perfect in Nature

These monkeys may not fit human beauty standards, but every odd feature—from giant noses to bald heads—helps them:

• Attract mates

• Survive harsh climates

• Avoid predators

• Communicate within their groups

In evolution, function always wins over looks, and these primates are shining examples of how bizarre traits can be powerful survival tools.

animal tags： ugliest monkey

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a Animals Top editor.