A phylogenetic analysis based on four genetic markers segregates material previously considered to belong to the octocoral genus Umbellula into a new family, two new genera and a new species. The complementary use of molecular and morphological data is necessary to disaggregate paraphyletic and polyphyletic groups when detected to understand the evolutionary pathways giving rise to the diversity in this and other groups of taxonomically challenging invertebrates.

We updated the phylogeny of the genus Baripus with the description of new species from isolated montane habitats in southern South America. The new Baripus species could have originated since (by) the late Cenozoic when the mountains uplifted and acted as refugia for populations of lowland species that remained isolated and later diversified. Our contribution provides new evidence in support of the hypothesis that the mountains during geological periods of drought may have been important centres for species diversification.

East Asian land snails in the Camaenidae have diverse shell shapes and modes of living, but not all these colourful tree snails belong to Amphidromus. The structure of the genital organ and molecular phylogeny associate two former Amphidromus species and one Camaena species with Aegistohadra instead. One species is newly described based on its shell shape, genital organ and phylogenetic position. This study reveals the convergent evolution of similar tree snail appearance, and the importance of the genital organ for taxonomic classification.