The disappearing act of the magician tree snail: anatomy, distribution, and phylogenetic relationships of Drymaeus magus (Gastropoda: Bulimulidae), a long-lost species hidden in plain sight

The magician tree snail, Drymaeus magus, is an obscure species that has fallen into oblivion. It has been regarded as a ‘long-lost species’ and barely figured in malacological research since its original description in the early 19th century. Through a comprehensive taxonomic review, we reveal that this species is common and widespread in southeastern Brazil, seemingly being hidden in plain sight all along. We provide an extensive redescription of D. magus, including new data on its morphology and anatomy using advanced computed tomography techniques. The geographical distribution of this species is reviewed by combining new occurrence records from literature, natural history collections, and citizen science. We also offer insights into the natural history and behaviour of D. magus based on field observations. Lastly, we place the species in a phylogenetic framework for the first time, using molecular data to conduct the largest phylogenetic analysis of Peltellinae to date and shed new light on the evolutionary relationships of this subfamily. As a result, our knowledge of D. magus is vastly expanded, elevating it from obscurity to one of the better-known species of Drymaeus.