Understanding the distribution of unique groundwater fauna in the Pilbara region of Western Australia is important for conservation efforts. This study examined the geographic patterns of oligochaetes using genetic techniques, and found several species that appeared to be widespread, not restricted by hydrology. This is in contrast to other fauna in the region, and suggests that physical characteristics may play a role in dispersal.

Neotropical Zethus are divided in three subgenera, which in turn are divided into species groups that are supposedly monophyletic. Here, in order to verify the validity of the Z. smithii group, a taxonomic revision leading to the description of five new species and a cladistics analysis revealing the group as paraphyletic are presented. These results raise questioning about the consistency of other species groups as monophyletic and thus, reveal the need for further investigation in the genus.

Sociable weavers build the largest known nests of any birds, which are frequently communal and accommodate 2–500 individuals. The birds and nests harbour numerous different commensal and parasitic invertebrates. We describe a new genus and species of pseudoscorpion, Sociochelifer metoecus, found in the nest and plumage of the birds. Two widely separated populations of the pseudoscorpion shows little genetic variation, confirming the presence of only a single species.

Cryptic species without names provide an issue for conservation and management. We use DNA data and coalescent analyses to determine species limits and allow the description of morphologically indistinguishable amphipod species from Australian desert springs. By providing greater certainty of species limits, the biodiversity of this unique environment is better understood and can be managed appropriately to ensure its persistence.

Modern entomology as well as insect-oriented citizen science projects require high quality specimens, but the traditional practice of collecting into ethanol or pure propylene glycol is difficult in the field and for lay participants – what other easily obtainable and inexpensive alternative preservatives can we use? We show that three common, household preservatives can effectively substitute for laboratory-grade chemicals and reliably preserve insect genetic material: alcohol-based hand sanitiser, propylene glycol-based and ethylene glycol-based automobile antifreeze. The widespread availability and low cost of these products make them valuable resources when traditional products are unavailable, such as in remote field situations or projects involving public participation.

The leech family Salifidae comprises aquatic and semi-terrestrial predaceous species inhabiting in African, Asian and Australasian regions. Molecular phylogenies based on the leeches from the family distribution including one new species from Vietnam reveals the new species from Vietnam is close to the African species, not to the species distributed in East Asia. This study provides the additional insight into faunistic exchanges and relationships among the regions.

This research reviews the taxonomy of a poorly known butterfly: the aim is to describe and compare this butterfly using the latest tools in molecular biology, together with more traditional methods based on morphology, biology and life history. It was discovered that the butterfly comprises a complex of three species, of which two are restricted and uniquely adapted to the sandstone plateaux of north-western Australia. The discovery emphasises the importance of the Kimberley and central Arnhem Land as critical areas for biodiversity conservation.