Sequences from the 5' flanking region of the epsilon-globin gene support the relationship of Callicebus with the pitheciins.

The purpose of this study was to determine nucleotide sequences from the 5' flanking region of the epsilon-globin gene of selected platyrrhine primates and to analyze the data for phylogenetic information and estimated times of divergence. We report new sequence data for two species of New World monkeys, Callicebus torquatus and Pithecia irrorata. We analyzed these data in conjunction with homologous sequences from other primate species. The data support the hypothesis that the titi monkeys (Callicebus) and seed predators (Tribe Pitheciini) form a clade (Subfamily Pitheciinae), and also provide limited support for that subfamily being allied with the atelines. We also present estimated dates of divergence for the Callicebus and pitheciin lineages.