Andrew and Emilio, I was thinking more in terms of quality control. I know how Ed Petuch manages to publish large numbers of questionable names privately. Perhaps it is best not to put too strict a screening in place, as the process of determining species is rather subjective, and the 'splitters' may ultimately be proven correct, but I wonder if there is some way that the bar can be raised, to discourage inadequate work? I was not trying to impugn any particular country--the problem is ubiquitous. From: Andrew Grebneff <[log in to unmask]> To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Re: New Harpidae Date: Tue, 11 Feb 2003 23:59:33 +1300 >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. Allen Aigen [log in to unmask]