Phylogenetics and an updated taxonomic status of the Tamarins (Callitrichinae, Cebidae)

•Multiloci dataset recovered four monophyletic clades of Tamarins.•Genus Leontocebus and mystax, oedipus and midas + bicolor groups were recovered as monophyletic.•Tamarins’ diversification began around 10.5 Mya, followed by two main cladogenetic events at 9.3 and 7.2 Mya.•Molecular evidence combined with morphology and ecology support a new taxonomic classification for the Tamarins.•We proposed to elevate to the genus level three main clades of Saguinus.