Notes on the Bela brachystoma complex, with description of a new species (Mollusca, Gastropoda: Conidae)

Based on shell characters, the complex of extant and fossil species related to the Recent Mediterranean taxon Bela brachystoma (Philippi, 1844) is critically analysed. In spite of the fact that this species shows great shell variability, Recent shells are morphologically identical to the Pliocene shells. A lectotype of Pleurotomum granuliferum Brugnone, 1862, synonym of B. brachystoma, is herein designated. The relationship occurring between B. brachystoma and the Recent Atlantic species Bela exilis Ardovini, 2004, Bela africana Ardovini, 2004 and Bela ardovinii Mariottini & Oliverio n. sp. is also discussed.