During numerous field excursions in the prealpine province of Varese (weste
rn Lombardy) 17 species of Shagnum were recorded in 37 localities. Distribu
tional and ecological notes are given for each species. Two rare species in
Italy, namely S. cuspidatum and S. fimbriatum, are reported. (C) 2000 Adac
/ Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsevier SAS.