The rhesus macaque is both terrestrial and arboreal . This is a diurnal species. The rhesus macaque has a multimale-multifemale social system. Females remain in their natal group with the onset of maturity, but males will disperse shortly before adolescence, although some males do stay in their natal group for a few years into adulthood. There is a hierarchical system amongst group members based upon the matriline.
Social grooming is used to strengthen bonds between females.
This display communicates submission or aggressive confidence. The rhesus macaque gives birth to a single offspring. During estrus the buttocks and the back of the legs deepen in red color for the female. During the mating season the male's buttocks and back of the legs also turn bright red. Primates , Vol.