First Record of the Rare Gastropod Episcomitra zonata (Marryat, 1819) (Mollusca: Gastropoda: Mitridae) in Montenegro (South Adriatic Sea)

This paper presents the first documented record of the rare gastropod Episcomitra zonata (Marryat, 1819) in the Montenegrin part of the Southern Adriatic Sea. Over the period 2021–2024, five shells were collected and their morphological and biometric characteristics were analysed. The analysis of biometric parameters showed that the shell height ranged from а maximum of 87.2 mm to а minimum of 69.9 mm, while the width ranged from 16.2 mm to 20.0 mm. The findings fill a significant gap in the literature, as no previous data existed on the presence, distribution or biometric parameters of E. zonata in this region. By providing new baseline data, this study contributes important knowledge for the conservation and management of this endangered Mediterranean species.