The phylogeography of velvet worms in South Africa make them an ideal proxy for forest conservation provided that their diversity is recognised. Cryptic speciation has led to inaccurate historical taxonomic designations, grouping genetically distinct lineages as single species, as in Peripatopsis clavigera. The implementation of multilocus phylogenetic analyses and various species delimitation methods recognised five species within a historically recognised single species. This result suggests that additional endemic diversity is present, crucial to the taxonomy and conservation of the group.

Polychaetes were historically considered to have cosmopolitan distributions, but are now found to comprise local cryptic species. Two supposedly cosmopolitan species, Platynereis dumerilii and Platynereis australis, from South Africa were investigated to confirm their identities, and to investigate genetic structure. Neither species occur in South Africa. Instead, the South African taxon formerly thought to be Platynereis dumerilii is new and is described here as Platynereis entshonae, sp. nov.; the identity of the other South African species is currently unresolved and is treated here as Platynereis sp. The two South African species are indistinguishable but differ in temperature preferences.

Triaenonychidae is a large family of Opiliones broadly distributed across temperate forests in the Southern Hemisphere, but one that is poorly understood taxonomically. We sequenced 300 samples of Triaenonychidae to produce the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of the family and infer divergence times. We found the family to be diphyletic and an ancient lineage, with most divergences predating Gondwanan breakup. However, we find at least one instance of transoceanic dispersal, to New Caledonia.

The millipede family Pseudonannolenidae is restricted to the Neotropical region. The taxa within the family are poorly known, and the genus Holopodostreptus is endemic to Ecuador. Here, we explore the phylogenetic position of the genus, and its characteristics in a family-wide context. Our findings showed the relationship of Holopodostreptus with Physiostreptus, also endemic to Ecuador. Our results also provide new insights into subfamilies, and a map for all recognised species.