Hoplitomeryx Leinders was originally described only on cranial characters. The type specimens were found during the 1970’s in karstic fissure fillings, most likely of Messinian age, in Gargano (Apulia, southeastern Italy), between Poggio Imperiale (418490300 N, 158210580 E) and Apricena (418470060 N, 158260410 E). During the 1990’s, Hoplitomeryx remains were also discovered in the lower Tortonian layered calcarenites near Scontrone (Abruzzo, central Italy; 41845015.550 N, 14802013.230 E). The skull fragments, teeth, and jawbones from both localities have been examined. The