Monacha syriaca (Ehrenberg 1831)

Monacha syriaca is a species of gastropods belonging to the family Hygromiidae.

The species is found in Mediterranean.

shell depressed, with an elevated broad conical spire, basic shell colour deep brown to yellowish brown, usually with a white subsutural band and a second white band at the shell’s periphery; two protoconch whorls, smooth; teleoconch with a malleate sculpture (i.e. looks like markings of a small hammer) and very fine radial growth lines, surface with a glossy shine; last whorl rounded to slightly compressed forming a blunt shoulder; last whorl abruptly bent towards the aperture; aperture oval and depressed, reinforced by a strong white lip; apertural rim sharply bounded, usually deep red to brownish; umbilicus always closed by a small columellar callus. Measurements (figured specimens). Fig. 1: H = 6.26; D = 10.12; PH = 3.17; PD = 5.38. Fig. 2: H = 6.18; D = 11.12; PH = 3.59; PD = 6.11.

This species is found widespread along the coastal areas in Lebanon. It usually lives at lower altitudes, but can occasionally be found up to 1000 m in more sheltered areas such as in the bottom of deep valleys.