This is the first-ever molecular analysis and first taxonomic treatment in 50 years of one of Australia’s most species-rich groups of carabid beetles. The phylogeny-based reclassification provides an understanding of the evolutionary relationships and the taxonomic treatment improves our knowledge of the true diversity of the group. As they are frequently a dominant part of the ecosystem, study of these beetles helps us preserve, protect and understand Australia’s invertebrate biodiversity.

An unknown specimen of a gorgonian octocoral was found off the Pacific coast of lower Baja California. Genetic and morphological analyses of the unknown specimen, and other specimens of this group, found it to be a new genus and species within a newly recognised family of gorgonian octocorals. This study demonstrates the utility of genetics and traditional taxonomy to better understand the biodiversity of these important marine organisms.

Metania, a genus of freshwater sponges, comprises species with circumtropical distribution.We present a phylogenetic and biogeographic analysis based on morphological characters. The genus monophyly is supported with synonymisation of two genera. Moreover, using cladistics biogeography, its current distribution is explained by the breakup of Gondwana.

This work is the first attempt to understand the population genetics of a Neotropical group of Opiliones. The previous morphological phylogeny of the Atlantic Rain Forest genus Promitobates was tested using mitochondrial and nuclear markers and the results are consistent with significant mitochondrial introgression among some of its species. The results generate new research lines about hybridization events in Opiliones.