Otala punctata (O.F. Müller, 1774) (Stylommatophora: Helicidae) in Italy

A living population of Otala punctata (O.F. Müller, 1774) has been found for the first time in Sardinia, Italy. In the island the species was previously recorded by several authors, but only finding badly preserved shells, often considered of doubtful origin. An anatomical and conchological description is given, and a comparison with other populations of the species and O. lactea (Müller, 1774) from the W-Mediterranean region is carried out. The species distribution is limited to a coastal sector of NW-Sardinia characterized by Mediterranean maquis and rural environments. Conservation status of the population is discussed, and its presumable origin from the Iberian peninsula through active human transportation is proposed.