New data on the systematics and distribution of the oxychiline zonitid Mediterranea depressa (Sterki, 1880) in Italy (Gastropoda: Pulmonata: Zonitidae)

Recent extensive field research has made it possible to improve definition of the distribution of Mediterranea depressa in northern Italy. The species only occurs in the Alps: from Laghi di Fusine to Cadore in the eastern Alps and in two isolated localities in the western Alps. Apart from the apparent absence of thorns at tip of mid-penis papillae, Italian specimens have all the conchological and anatomical characters of the species.

The genus Riedeliconcha established by Schileyko (2003) to include this species is here regarded as a junior synonym of Mediterranea. In fact the type species of these genera share subterranean life-style, small whitish shell with very small umbilicus and many anatomical characters.