We analyzed a concatenated (8492 bp) nuclear-mitochondrial DNA data set from 44 musteloids The early offshoots of this radiation largely evolved into badger and marten ecological niches (Taxidiinae, Melinae, Mellivorinae, Guloninae, and Helictidinae), whereas the later divergences have adapted to other niches including those of weasels, polecats, minks, and otters (Mustelinae, Ictonychinae, and Lutrinae). Notably, and contrary to traditional beliefs, the morphological adaptations of badgers, martens, weasels, polecats, and minks each evolved independently more than once within Mustelidae. Ictonychinae (which is most closely related to Lutrinae) arose approximately 9.5-8.9 MYA, most likely in Asia, where it diverged into the Old World and Poecilogale, respectively, we propose that Pekania and Poecilictis be treated as valid genera and that -Martes‖ pennanti and -Ictonyx‖ libyca, respectively, be assigned to these genera.