The editors of Vita Malacologica are working hard to publish number 4 (volume 2005) as soon as possible. However, it will not be possible to do so before the end of this year. Number 4 is now expected to be published in January 2006. We apologise for the delay. The preparations of number 5 (volume 2006) are well on the way, so we hope to publish this volume in 2006 as well.