Milax gagates

A new taxonomic insight reveals that the land snail species Amalia cabiliana, previously described from Algeria and Morocco, is indistinguishable from Milax gagates based on anatomical features. This finding, supported by detailed examination of specimens including those from Ichkeul National Park in Tunisia, suggests A. cabiliana should be considered a junior synonym of M. gagates. The study analyzed genitalia morphology and external characteristics across multiple locations, confirming their genetic and morphological equivalence. Milax gagates, widespread in southwestern Europe and northwestern Africa, exhibits adaptability to diverse habitats, including grasslands, forests, and damp environments up to 1000 meters altitude. Its broad distribution includes introductions to regions such as Tasmania, New Zealand, and the Americas.

Ramdini, R., Liberto, F., Sadouk, G., Gregorini, A., & Colomba, M. (2026). Milax gagates. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.18804402