>I am interested in the process by which an apparent local variety of
>a well known variable species can be published as a new species.
>Was it validly published? Was the article peer reviewed? I
>understand the Meditteranean is swimming in synonyms for common
>shells. Is this tradition of naming varieties supported there? Are
>Americans considered lumpers by the Italians? It would be
>interested in hearing support for the species as named.
>Allen Aigen NYC
Ed Petch has a lot of relatives over there.