>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.