Reappraisal of the “Molecular phylogeny of Western Palaearctic Helicidae s.l. (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora)”: When poor science meets GenBank

► We reappraise a study that was published in MPE (doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2004.03.004). ► Many data on the phylogeny of the helicid snails in that paper are corrected. ► Incorrect identifications, laboratory contamination, and false voucher specimens (“pseudo-vouchers”) are unraveled. ► The term “para-voucher” is introduced for a remplaçant voucher from the same sample or population. ► We plea for self-criticism when deviating or even contradicting results are found.