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ABSTRACT Aim Location Methods Results Main Conclusions The Mediterranean Sea is one of the most anthropized seas in the world but also a marine biodiversity hotspot with many fish species under threat. The main goal of the study is to test whether on the heavily fished and anthropized Mediterranean coast, the less impacted Corsica and Balearic Islands, can be considered as refugia for threatened and elasmobranch fishes independently of protection by marine reserves.The French Mediterranean coast and three north‐western Mediterranean islands: Corsica and also Mallorca and Minorca from the Balearic archipelago.We performed 187 fish surveys using environmental DNA metabarcoding on three islands and 109 along the continental coast. Of the 78 surveys on islands 22 correspond to no‐take marine reserves and of the 109 continental surveys 26 were carried out within reserves. After eDNA filtration, extraction, amplification, and sequencing we estimated the number of fish species but also the number commercial, threatened and elasmobranch fish species on each sample. We then performed an ANOVA by permutation to test the effect of insularity and protection on these four biodiversity metrics. We also modelled these four biodiversity metrics as a function of protection and human pressure but also environmental, habitat and sampling conditions. We also built species accumulation curves to obtain asymptotes representing the potential regional pools for each species category on both island and continental coasts.We obtained a total of 175,982,610 reads over the 187 eDNA samples that were assigned to 153 fish species including 17 elasmobranch species among which 7 were only detected on islands. We observed a higher total fish richness on continental than island surveys regardless of protection but a higher threatened and elasmobranch fish richness on the island than on continental surveys. We obtained a significant, negative and predominant human gravity impact on the diversity of elasmobranch species. The modelled asymptote reached 148 teleostean fish species on islands and 196 on the continental coastline with a very similar rate of diversity increase with sampling effort but the shape of the species accumulation curves differed markedly for elasmobranchs with a stronger increase in diversity with sampling effort on islands.Our findings highlight that Mediterranean islands can be refugia for sharks and rays but also threatened fishes in this overexploited region. Our results also suggest that reducing or banning trawling activities may play a key role for conserving vulnerable fishes, beyond the benefits of no‐take marine reserves, which appear limited on these large home‐range species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mediterranean Sea is worldwide the area most affected by introduced species. The Suez Canal (Lessepsian species) and shellfish aquaculture are the main routes for introduction, in addition to shipping (fouling, clinging and ballast waters). Two non-indigenous Lophocladia (Montagne) F.Schmitz species have been recorded from the Mediterranean Sea: the Red Sea and Indian Ocean L. lallemandii (Montagne) F.Schmitz and the western tropical Atlantic Ocean L. trichoclados (C.Agardh) F.Schmitz. On the basis of molecular data, Golo et al. (2023, 2024) concluded that the species which invaded the Mediterranean only belongs to the western Atlantic L. trichoclados. Until the mid-2010s, the north of the western basin was the only Mediterranean area not invaded by this species. In the present paper, we report for the first time the presence of L. trichoclados from this region in Provence and Corsica. Interestingly, L. trichoclados does not occur and bear reproductive organs in spring but in autumn and winter, although it is a species of tropical affinity. RÉSUMÉ Signalements de Lophocladia trichoclados (C.Agardh) F.Schmitz (Rhodophyta), une espèce non-indigène, en Provence et en Corse. La Méditerranée est la région la plus affectée, dans le monde, par les invasions biologiques. Le canal de Suez (espèces dites 'lessepsiennes') et la conchyliculture constituent les principaux vecteurs d'introduction, en plus de la navigation (espèces transportées sur la coque des bateaux et eaux de ballast). Deux espèces non-indigènes du genre Lophocladia (Montagne) F.Schmitz ont été signalées en Mediterranée: l'espèce de mer Rouge et de l'océan Indien L. lallemandii (Montagne) F.Schmitz, et l'espèce de l'Atlantique tropical occidental L. trichoclados (C.Agardh) F.Schmitz. Sur la base de données moléculaires, Golo et al. (2023, 2024) ont conclu que l'espèce invasive en Méditerranée correspond à l'espèce de l'Atlantique occidental, L. trichoclados. Jusqu'au milieu des années 2010, le nord du bassin occidental constituait la seule région méditerranéenne non envahie par cette espèce. Nos observations en Provence et en Corse comblent cette lacune. Curieusement, la prolifération et la reproduction de L. trichoclados, une espèce d'affinité tropicale, ne s'observent pas au printemps, mais en automne et en hiver. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nummulitic Limestones deposits are preserved along the tectonic contact between the Variscan basement and Alpine units of Corsica. These marine carbonates, dated from the Late Palaeocene to the Middle Eocene, were deposited within a foreland flexural basin that is considered to be the southern continuation of the Alpine foreland basin of southeast (SE) France. However, in contrast with the Nummulitic Limestones of SE France, those of Corsica are far less documented. This field‐based study constrains the sedimentology, stratigraphy and structure of the Nummulitic Limestones of Corsica in three localities (Balagne, Corte and Sari‐Solenzara) to identify factors that controlled foreland basin development and to clarify its significance within the early alpine orogen. The microfacies, microfaunal assemblages and siliciclastic fractions are characterised throughout the succession at each locality. The results indicate the existence of an important Variscan basement relief to the west of the basin (West Corsican Massif) that supplied early alluvial fans found at the base of the foreland succession in the northernmost Balagne area. Continuous high clastic input strongly reduced the development and diversity of the overlying Nummulitic Limestones facies and fauna. Further south, limestones in the Corte and Sari‐Solenzara areas are thicker and contain richer fauna. Three depositional models corresponding to the carbonate ramp system are proposed for the Nummulitic Limestones and used to construct paleogeographic maps illustrating the transgressive evolution of the Corsican foreland basin from the Early to the Late Eocene. Based on our results and available regional tectonic data and LT thermochronological data, we propose that the Nummulitic marine transgression took place within a continuous foreland basin encompassing southern Corsica and SE France during the early development of the western alpine arc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Alpine Corsica (France), the Santa Lucia Nappe represents a peculiar unit preserving the unique relicts of Paleozoic lower to medium continental crust. It consists of composite basement affected by Permian granulite facies metamorphic conditions unconformably covered by a Late Cretaceous clastic sequence (Tomboni Conglomerate and Tralonca Flysch) affected by polyphase deformation and low‐grade‐metamorphism. In this work, we present a new reconstruction of the deformation events registered by the Tralonca Flysch during the Alpine orogeny. The D1 phase was testified by rare isoclinal folds. The D2 phase produced a continuous foliation and a map‐scale sheath‐fold with a top‐to‐W sense of shear. The D3 phase produced E‐verging non‐cylindrical folds and S3 crenulation cleavage that is not associated to metamorphic blastesis. We present the first temperature‐pressure‐deformation (P‐T‐d) path for the Tralonca Flysch, demonstrating that the Santa Lucia Nappe underwent accretion and then first stage exhumation in the Alpine wedge during the D1 phase with pressure and temperature peaks both occurred under blueschist metamorphic conditions. The D2 phase occurred at lower pressure‐temperature conditions during a second stage exhumation. This pressure‐temperature‐deformation path is comparable with those of the Lower Units (i.e., the subducted continental units of Alpine Corsica) suggesting a common geodynamic history. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dugesia hepta and D. benazzii are two species found in Sardinia and Corsica. Previous studies have been unable to resolve their evolutionary relationships and there was doubt about the monophyly of D. benazzii. This study used molecular and morphological data to develop a rigorous species-delimitation procedure within an integrative framework. Three different species discovery methods (ABGD, GMYC, and mPTP) were applied on single-locus data to formulate primary species hypotheses. Secondary species hypotheses were proposed based on two Bayesian species-validation methods (BPP and BFD), morphological, and karyological traits. This study presents evidence supporting the recognition of two new species: Dugesia mariae from Corsica and Dugesia hoidi from Sardinia. A redescription of D. benazzii is also reported. The phylogenetic relationships between these four species were resolved with high support, except for D. hoidi. The performance of the different molecular-delimitation methodologies is discussed, as well as the presence of ciliate parasites in D. benazzii and D. mariae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Thermoregulation is essential for ectotherms but its relative cost, especially under ongoing climate change, depends on the thermal quality of habitats. Populations at the warm margin of a thermal niche could be negatively affected by environmental temperatures that approach the limits of a species' thermoregulation capacity. This study aims to define the thermal niche of the Bedriaga's rock lizard, Archaeolacerta bedriagae , a rock-dwelling species endemic to the Corsica and Sardinia islands (western Mediterranean Sea), and to investigate its thermoregulation effectiveness at the warm edge of its niche. We collected data on climate, body temperature, and microhabitat temperature throughout the species' range to characterize its thermal niche. We found that A. bedriagae does not occupy the entire climatic space available across its distribution range; rather, it selects temperate climates. Remarkably, thermoregulation effort increases when the habitat thermal quality decreases towards warmer sites. Populations at the warm edge of the thermal niche show the best thermoregulation effectiveness, but they are also more sensitive to the effects of climate change as they may already be at (or beyond) the species' maximum thermal capacity under the current conditions. We observed such a pattern at the extreme hot side of the thermal niche. This study provides key information on the thermoregulatory response of A. bedriagae to ongoing climate change that can be useful to identify populations facing a higher extinction risk either currently or in the near future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discovery of subfossil fragments of Canthydrus Sharp, 1882 (Coleoptera, Noteridae) in Holocene sediments (c. 6 500 yrs BP) from the coastal retrodunal Greco pond, on Cavallo island (Lavezzi archipelago, Corse-du-Sud, France), is the first French citation for this thermophilous water beetle genus. This discovery raises issues about the factors that led to the probable extinction of this taxon at a local scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the western Mediterranean, Corsica and Sardinia are characterised by high plant diversity and endemism, and exhibit a tight biogeographic connection. One of the endemic taxa thriving in forests, macchia, along riversides and in mountain grasslands of both islands is Euphorbia semiperfoliata. It was often considered a subspecies of the widespread European forest plant Euphorbia amygdaloides, or deemed closely related with the western Asian E. macroceras and E. oblongifolia. Here, we explored the evolutionary origin of E. semiperfoliata using nuclear ITS sequences that showed that E. semiperfoliata is divergent from E. amygdaloides and the other species of E. sect. Patellares, which indicates its old, likely Tertiary origin. In addition, its relative genome size is different from E. amygdaloides and other species and several morphological characters revealed by morphometric analyses differentiate E. semiperfoliata from E. amygdaloides. Finally, we provide a taxonomic treatment for E. semiperfoliata, including the typification and a morphological description. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two coastal areas located on the North-Western side of Corsica Island have been investigated to reconstruct their Mid- to Late-Holocene landscape evolution together with the history of human occupation. Particular attention has been paid to the study of shoreline migration and vegetation history alongside land-use. Three boreholes were drilled to a maximum depth of 4.20 m and laboratory work comprised the identification of molluscs and pollen/NPPs as well as sedimentological analyses. Chronostratigraphy is based on a series of 18 radiocarbon datings and enabled to reconstruct the environments in the Fangu Estuary to the north of the World Heritage site over the last six millennia, and over the last four millennia on the Girolata coastal plain to the south. Palaeogeographic reconstruction of shoreline mobility is established for each site based on borehole chronostratigraphy analysis. In addition, two original pollen and NPPs diagrams have been established for the Girolata and Fangu sites. These reveal that anthropogenic activities began to significantly impact local vegetation cover ca. 2500 years BP at Girolata, and ca. 2000 years BP at Fangu. Of particular interest, our work records the first complete pollen sequence in Corsica for Roman times at Girolata: first, the exploitation of cereals, grapevines and the development of husbandry is observed during the Roman Republic (500 BCE–0), followed by the almost exclusive cultivation of Olea sp. during the Roman Empire (0–500 CE). Following this, and using other regional pollen studies obtained for NW Corsica, we propose a regional evolution of the complex human-environment interactions for the last six millennia. Our results reveal a peak of regional forest decline (the most intense event recorded for the Late-Holocene) from the 11th to the 16th centuries CE which can be attributed to the exploitation of wood resources during the Pisan and Genoese dominations of the island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An extensive survey of macroparasites in 320 European eel Anguilla anguilla (Linnaeus, 1758) was conducted in two brackish lagoons and eleven freshwater localities in the Mediterranean island of Corsica (France) between spring 2021 and winter 2021–2022. It resulted in the identification of nineteen parasites: two Monogea, four Digenea, one Copepoda, four Acanthocephala, three Cestoda, and five Nematoda, including the first geographical records, as Corsican freshwater sites were studied for the first time. The silvering stage was determined, and the eels were aged through otolithometry to compare parasite communities. Classic parasitology indices, a multivariate analysis, and an analysis of indicator values (IndVal) showed clear preferences towards the host's habitat and salinity. Seasonal variations were shown for several parasites. A dataset from the same two coastal lagoons was used to study the changes in the parasite communities over the last decade, and this showed an increase in the prevalence and abundance of three invasive helminth species: the Monogenea Pseudodactylogyrus bini (Kikuchi, 1929), Pseudodactylogyrus anguillae (Yin and Sproston, 1948) Gusev, 1965 and the Nematoda Anguillicola crassus Kuwahara, Niimi, and Itagaki, 1974. These pathogenic parasites were found in all sampled localities, except for the two Monogenea in the polyhaline-to-euhaline Urbino lagoon. It is thus advised that future management measures take into account the environmental preferences of the most concerning parasites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of the current extinction crisis, identifying new conservation units is pivotal to the development of sound conservation measures, especially in highly threatened taxa such as felids. Corsican wildcats are known by Corsican people since a very long time but have been little studied. Meaningful information about their phylogenetic position is lacking. We used ddRADseq to genotype phenotypically homogenous Corsican wildcats at 3671 genome‐wide SNPs and reported for the first time their genetic identity. We compared this genomic information to domestic cats Felis silvestris catus from Corsica and mainland France, European wildcats F. s. silvestris and Sardinian wildcats F. s. lybica. Our premise was that if the Corsican wildcat, as a phenotypic entity, also represents a genetic entity, it deserves conservation measures and to be recognized as a conservation unit. Corsican wildcats appeared highly genetically differentiated from European wildcats and genetically closer to Sardinian wildcats than to domestic cats. Domestic cats from Corsica and mainland France were closer to each other and Sardinian wildcats were intermediate between Corsican wildcats and domestic cats. This suggested that Corsican wildcats do not belong to the F. s. silvestris or catus lineages. The inclusion of more high‐quality Sardinian samples and Near‐Eastern mainland F. s. lybica would constitute the next step toward assessing the status of Corsican wildcat as a subspecies and/or evolutionarily significant unit and tracing back wildcat introduction history of in Corsica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Alpine orogenic edifice of Corsica (northern Tyrrhenian Sea) offers the possibility to investigate the mode through which continental crust responds to the propagation of regional shortening at convergent plate margins. The geology of Corsica has been traditionally described as separating domains affected by the Alpine tectonism (Alpine Corsica) from those that did not experience the Alpine tectono‐metamorphic overprint (Hercynian Corsica), but recent studies show that most of Hercynian Corsica was thermally reset in post‐Eocene times, questioning this paradigm. The continental units formed at the expenses of the stretched continental margin of the European plate and consist of Hercynian granitoid basement rocks and cover sequences (Permian volcaniclastics and Mesozoic sedimentary successions). By integrating meso‐ and microstructural investigations with metamorphic thermobarometry and 40Ar–39Ar geochronology along three E–W trending structural transects running across the basement section exposed below the Alpine orogenic wedge, we document middle‐late Eocene (c. 50–33 Ma) westward‐verging syn‐metamorphic (low‐grade blueschist facies) thick‐skinned, basement‐involved thrusting. Significantly, crustal shortening in the continental basement predated of c. 15–10 Ma the subduction zone metamorphism in the oceanic‐derived Schistes Lustrés Complex. When the P–T–t–deformation history as reconstructed from the Corsica basement is integrated with the regional scenario of the Alpine–Apennine orogeny, a tectonic reconstruction is proposed, which frames the Alpine orogeny in Corsica within the Apennine–Maghrebian subduction system in the retroside (retrowedge) of the Apennine orogenic wedge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the Zicavo Metamorphic Complex (southern Corsica), which is part of the innermost Axial Zone of the Corsica-Sardinia Variscan belt. To better evaluate its geological and structural outline, a 1:5000 geological map, coupled with new structural/ microstructural and petrographic data, is presented. The complex is formed by three tectonic units, from bottom to top: (i) an Orthogneiss Unit, (ii) a Leptyno-Amphibolite Unit, and (iii) a Micaschist Unit. They are separated by ductile shear zones with a top-to-the-SE sense of shear. They underwent a polyphase deformation and polymetamorphic history, with a shortening stage in the amphibolite facies, responsible for the main structures and shearing, followed by an exhumation phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • First time calibration of digital filter with natural tracers in Mediterranean region. • Efficient calibrated digital filter for long-term functional baseflow analysis. • Mountainous Mediterranean rivers are seasonally and interannually baseflow-dominated. • Larger baseflow contribution sustaining Mediterranean rivers during severe droughts. • Baseflow and groundwater can buffer impacts of climate change on the short-term. Baseflow defined as the contribution of groundwater and delayed subsurface flow, is generally described by indices such as the baseflow index (BFI), the long-term ratio of baseflow to streamflow. Characterizing baseflow is challenging because it is not directly accessible, particularly in sensitive areas to climate change like the mountainous Mediterranean regions with hard-rock aquifers. In these areas, little is known about the temporal and spatial contribution of baseflow to streamflow. This study aimed to address this scientific gap by using the first calibrated and validated recursive digital filter with natural tracers for such regions. Two watersheds of Corsica (France), the Tavignanu and the Fiumaltu, were chosen as application models for calibration and validation, respectively, due to their representative characteristics of these regions. Various methods exist for baseflow analysis, including empirical, analytical and physical methods. Empirical and analytical methods, such as digital filters, are easy to use but lack physical significance. Conversely, physical methods using natural tracers, such as isotopes and ions, are more physically representative but are difficult to implement. By calibrating and validating analytical methods with tracers in this specific context, we were able to leverage the strengths of both approaches for effective long-term baseflow analysis. This innovative approach confirmed that baseflow was the main contributor to river flow during dry months, with a contribution of 88–90 % for both watersheds. Notably, baseflow remained a significant contributor during periods of high flow, averaging 54 % for the Tavignanu and 60 % for the Fiumaltu. Over a 25-year period, the mean annual contribution was substantial, at 73 % for the Tavignanu and 77 % for the Fiumaltu. In a particularly dry year, which are expected to become more common with climate change, baseflow contribution was even higher, confirming its origin from deep groundwater and delayed subsurface components. Our results demonstrate that, in the context of climate change, groundwater and delayed subsurface flow will play an increasingly important role in sustaining rivers, connected ecosystems, as well as many human activities in the mountainous Mediterranean regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Characterising thin mineral layers on heterogeneous media is a significant challenge in archaeometry. Nevertheless, obtaining such geochemical and mineralogical data can, in many cases, provide valuable information about the original raw-material procurement strategies and document the chaîne opératoire leading to the finished object. In this contribution, we report on the geochemical analysis of a thin layer of red mineral pigment found on a skull from the Mesolithic burial of Campu Stefanu, Corsica. A proton ion beam analysis was conducted at the New AGLAE facilities (Palais du Louvre, Paris) to determine major, minor and trace element compositions. Contribution from the pigment's elemental composition is statistically differentiated from that of the bone and the sediment. Furthermore, the composition of the pigment is shown to be compatible with that of iron-oxide rich mineral blocks found within the mortuary deposits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection can be acute and benign or evolve to chronic hepatitis with rapid progression toward cirrhosis or liver failure in humans. Hence, hepatitis E (HE) disease is a major public health concern. In countries where pig populations are highly contaminated with HEV, human cases of HE are mainly foodborne, occurring frequently after consumption of raw or undercooked pork products or liver. Among factors associated to the presence of HEV in pork livers from intensive rearing systems, early slaughter (≤6 months) seems to be major. In Corsica, local pigs are raised in extensive farming systems and slaughtered after 12 months. To evaluate if slaughter of pigs over 12 months reduces the risk of HEV presence in livers, 1197 liver samples were randomly collected in 2 Corsican slaughterhouses. Presence of HEV RNA was detected in liver and HEV seroprevalence was determined in paired serum. The sampling included 1083 livers from animals between 12 and 48 months and 114 livers from animals <12 months. The samples were predominantly from semi‐extensive and extensive farms (n = 1154). Estimated HEV seroprevalence was high, that is, >88%, and HEV RNA prevalence in adult pig livers (>12 months old) was low, that is, 0.18%. However, in livers from younger animals (<12 months), including piglets below 6 months old, 5.3% (6/114) of the samples were positive for HEV RNA. Sequences recovered from positive livers belonged to HEV genotype 3c and 3f. The presence of infectious HEV was confirmed in two livers by the detection of HEV replication in HepaRG cell cultures. Thus, this study demonstrates the low prevalence of HEV in livers of pigs over 12 months, even in farms with high HEV circulation. This observation may open new perspectives on the preferential use of livers from animals older than 12 months in raw pork liver products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reinterprets Rousseau's theory of political and economic development through the lens of time. In his governmental plan for Corsica, Rousseau sees an infirm political body about to heal, grow, and prosper under changing conditions, not a static experiment of autarkic agrarianism. Therefore, Rousseau's prescriptions of a hybrid economy, intergenerational office-holding, and future-oriented defence are themselves designed to evolve over time. Rethinking Rousseau's concept of time clarifies long-running debates over the seemingly conflicting images of the philosopher. Neither 'founding' nor 're-founding' Corsica, Rousseau legislates in the interim, aiming for the longevity, not the immortality, of a healthy political economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a patient with urogenital schistosomiasis and three cases of subclinical infection within one family acquired from Solenzara River, Corsica, in 2019. Our cases confirm that transmission of schistosomiasis in Corsica is ongoing and has been extended from the Cavu River to the Solenzara River. Solenzara River is clearly a transmission site for schistosomiasis in Corsica. Public health efforts are recommended to uncover and prevent further cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detailed seasonal analyses of phytoplankton assemblages' composition were performed on long-term datasets (20 years) of two oligotrophic Mediterranean lagoons (Diana and Urbino), in order to test if phytoplankton community and bloom events patterns rely on a seasonal basis. Our results highlight a similar phytoplankton composition between the lagoons, but different patterns in terms of phytoplankton abundances, of timing, magnitude and occurrence of Taxonomic Units, and of bloom events occurrence. Dominant diatoms group showed a seasonal repartition, with highest contribution of Skeletonema sp. during winter and spring, some other groups emerging in warmer seasons (e.g. Chaetoceros spp.), or not showing marked seasonality (e.g. Pseudo-nitzschia spp.). Dinoflagellates' abundances were higher during autumn, besides exhibiting punctual proliferations over the year. Salinity was the strongest environmental parameter in controlling Diana lagoon phytoplankton community, while Urbino community was mostly controlled by turbidity. A worrying evolution of the toxic diatom Pseudo-nitzschia spp., linked to salinity and temperature changes, was detected in both lagoons. We further demonstrated changes in the phytoplankton community are ongoing in these lagoons, despite their contrasting human pressure contexts, indicating that serious impacts on phytoplankton dynamics and blooms triggering in Mediterranean lagoons shall be foreseen within the current and forecasted climate change scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Combined evidence from insect and plant remains was recovered from separate areas of a Roman brick works at the site of Pruniccia (Corsica), in an area adjacent to the Roman town of Mariana. Their interpretation helps us to reconstruct the specific activities undertaken and broaden our understanding of how human activities affected the composition of sub-fossil plant and insect assemblages. After including geomorphological evidence, we also assess the local environmental conditions of the site. In well PT20019, an unexpected abundance and diversity of insects characteristic of aquatic habitats contrasts with results from fruits and seeds, prompting questions on the taphonomic processes involved. The relatively small number of woody taxa identified from charcoal in kiln FR200002 and the related working area (FS20088) includes trees and shrubs that would have been easily accessible nearby. The detection of insect damage in Alnus wood is consistent with the repeated finds of insects which attack wood. This suggests that firewood may have been collected in advance and stored until needed. More generally, our work illustrates the variety of habitats in the area around the Roman town and helps us compensate for the shortage of palaeoenvironmental information available locally up to now. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Corsica, France, 9.1% of livestock serum samples collected during 2014-2016 were found to have antibodies against Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV), an emerging tickborne zoonotic disease. We tested 8,051 ticks for CCHFV RNA and Nairovirus RNA. The results indicate that Corsica is not a hotspot for CCHFV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cryptosporidium spp. are worldwide protozoan parasites that can affect to a broad range of vertebrate hosts, including rodents. In the island of Corsica (France), there are no previous data about these protozoa infecting wild rodents. To estimate the distribution and occurrence, a total of 117 wild murine rodents of the species Rattus rattus (84), Mus musculus domesticus (21), Apodemus sylvaticus (11), and Rattus norvegicus (1) were captured in 24 different biotopes. Fecal samples were screened for Cryptosporidium spp. by nested PCR to amplify an 830 bp fragment of the 18S rRNA gene. As general occurrence, 15.4% of the rodents analyzed were positive for Cryptosporidium spp., being detected widely distributed along the island in R. rattus (17.6%) and M. m. domesticus (14.3%). Cryptosporidium viatorum, Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype II, and Cryptosporidium sp. rat genotype III were successfully identified in R. rattus. The results herein reported provide the first data on Cryptosporidium spp. in wild murine species from a Mediterranean island and constitute the first report of the zoonotic species C. viatorum in R. rattus. Although a low occurrence of Cryptosporidium spp. in murids was obtained and only in one animal the zoonotic species C. viatorum was identified, our results highlight that wild murine rodents from Corsica could mediate in the maintenance and transmission of this protozoan to the environment and other hosts including humans and animals. Further studies are required to better understand the epidemiology of Cryptosporidium spp. in wild rodents from Corsica and their possible public health repercussions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Following several surveys on the Isle of Beauty, we found that a large number of Curculionidae and Brentidae are either new or not specifically mentioned in various works including more specifically the Catalog of Coleoptera of France (TRONQUET et al., 2014). The combination of various harvesting methods allowed us to add 17 new species of Curculionidae for Corsica as well as to specify the presence of 16 other Curculionidae and 2 Brentidae on the island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Corsican Crisis (1768–1769) within Britain was caused by the invasion of Corsica in May 1768 by their main enemy and rival France. This article will focus upon how this 'crisis' came about, by studying the arguments and debates within Britain during this period, and will seek to understand why the government did nothing to support the Corsicans against the French invasion, despite the broad public pressure to do so. The article will trace how the Corsican issue gained such popularity within Britain, which was triggered by the works of both Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and more importantly James Boswell's Account of Corsica, published in February 1768. Questions about Corsica overlapped into the other main issue of the time; British foreign policy. Failure to act over the Corsican issue added to the idea that Britain was no longer a European power, and entirely preoccupied with American affairs, despite the successes gained during the Seven Years War (1756–1763). The Corsican Crisis significantly impacted Britain's weak international position during the 1770s, when she found herself isolated, facing an American Revolution (1775–1783) and a coalition of European powers led by France. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Numerical simulation of wildland fire spread is useful to predict the locations that are likely to burn and to support decision in an operational context, notably for crisis situations and long-term planning. For short-term, the computational time of traditional simulators is too high to be tractable over large zones like a country or part of a country, especially for fire danger mapping. This issue is tackled by emulating the area of the burned surface returned after simulation of a fire igniting anywhere in Corsica island and spreading freely during one hour, with a wide range of possible environmental input conditions. A deep neural network with a hybrid architecture is used to account for two types of inputs: the spatial fields describing the surrounding landscape and the remaining scalar inputs. After training on a large simulation dataset, the network shows a satisfactory approximation error on a complementary test dataset with a MAPE of 32.8%. The convolutional part is pre-computed and the emulator is defined as the remaining part of the network, saving significant computational time. On a 32-core machine, the emulator has a speed-up factor of several thousands compared to the simulator and the overall relationship between its inputs and output is consistent with the expected physical behavior of fire spread. This reduction in computational time allows the computation of one-hour burned area map for the whole island of Corsica in less than a minute, opening new application in short-term fire danger mapping. • Wildfires lasting one hour are simulated in a wide range of environmental conditions. • A large simulation database is used to train a hybrid deep neural network emulator. • The emulator estimates the area burned with a speed-up factor of several thousands • The emulator results are consistent with typical behavior of wildland fire spread. • Emulation opens perspectives for fast short-term fire danger high-resolution mapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A faintly heteropolar Brachysira species, with an acutely rounded headpole and a base pole which is sometimes slightly protracted, found in two lakes in northern Italy and Corsica, is described and named Brachysira chiaruccii sp. nov. This proposed new species can be differentiated from similar species by recognizable characters or character combinations: valve outline and symmetry, shape of the apices and of the central area, striation density, size, anchor-shaped terminal raphe endings (SEM feature), ecology. Brachysira chiaruccii sp. nov. is so far known to colonize oligotrophic, circumneutral, sufficiently buffered, moderately low conductivity mountain lakes, whilst the typical habitat of the most similar (North American) heteropolar Brachysira species (B. ocalanensis) is dystrophic, very low alkalinity and pH environments. The description is based on SEM and LM micrographs which document the full spectrum of shape variability along the size diminution series (including girdle views), plastid arrangement and morphology, and ecological preferences, in particular along the pH-alkalinity gradient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dirofilaria immitis and Dirofilaria repens are the main causative agents of heartworm disease and subcutaneous dirofilariasis in domestic and wild canids, respectively. Both pathogens have zoonotic potential and are transmitted by mosquitoes. The present study aimed to determine the transmission period, prevalence and diversity of Dirofilaria spp. vectors from endemic areas of Corsica (France). Methods: A monthly point data model based on average temperature recorded by four meteorological stations during 2017 was used to calculate the Dirofilaria transmission period. From June to September 2017, female mosquitoes (n = 1802) were captured using Biogents® Sentinel 2 traps lured with carbon dioxide and BG-Lure™ or octanol. Mosquitoes were identified to species level, pooled accordingly, and screened using multiplex real-time qPCR to detect D. immitis and D. repens. Results: The monthly point data model showed the possible transmission of Dirofilaria spp. from the third week in May to the last week in October in the studied area. Mosquitoes were identified as Ochlerotatus caspius (n = 1432), Aedes albopictus (n = 199), Culex pipiens sensu lato (n = 165) and Aedes vexans (n = 6) and were grouped into 109 pools (from 1 to 27 specimens, mean 11.4 ± 0.7), of which 16 scored positive for Dirofilaria spp. (i.e., n = 13; estimated infection rate [EIR] = 1.1% for D. immitis and n = 3; EIR = 0.2% for D. repens). Specifically, 6 (i.e., EIR = 3.8%) of 15 pools of Ae. albopictus were positive for D. immitis, 2 of 14 of Cx. pipiens s.l. were positive for D. immitis and D. repens, respectively, and 8 of 77 pools of Oc. caspius were positive for D. immitis (i.e., n = 6; EIR = 0.4%) and D. repens (i.e., 2; EIR = 0.1%). The highest mosquito infection rate was recorded in July (EIR = 2.5%), then in June (EIR = 1.3%) and September (EIR = 0.6%). Conclusions: The data suggest that both Dirofilaria species are endemic and occur possibly in sympatry in the studied area in Corsica, highlighting the need to implement preventive chemoprophylaxis and vector control strategies to reduce the risk of these filarioids in dog and human populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification of the isotope altitude effect from precipitation allows the identification of recharge altitudes in high-relief areas. However, steep terrains frequently limit the use of this precipitation-based approach. Perennial rivers often provide easy, year-round access for water sampling. However, in high-relief regions rivers may not adequately represent regional precipitation isotope patterns because they integrate isotope signals along their course. This prevents the calculation of an altitudinal isotope gradient from river water samples alone. We present a study that shows how a river-based sampling approach served to determine the altitude effect. Replacing the original sample site altitude with the mean upstream catchment elevation as calculated from a digital elevation model allowed us to establish a plausible altitude isotope effect from stream water. The correction approach was verified independently using precipitation isotope data. This approach can potentially be transferred to other regions where precipitation sampling at various elevations is difficult to determine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworm collectings on Corsica and Sardinia resulted in recording eight species belonging to the families Lumbricidae and Hormogastridae. Among them, Octodrilus transpadanus represents a new record for the fauna of Sardinia and Eumenescolex zoltani sp. nov. from Corsica is new to science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sardinia (Italy) and Corsica (France) are two islands divided by a strait that is 13 km wide. Their inhabitants have had commercial and cultural links at least since the Bronze Age, facing similar historical processes such as colonization from mainland powers during Middle Ages and a problematic assimilation within the nation-states to which the islands are nowadays associated. Nevertheless, they are generally perceived and analyzed as separate and distant islands. This is a consequence of the geopolitical context of the last three centuries, during which Corsica and Sardinia have become part of two separate states marked by a troubled relationship. This study has two main purposes: explaining the case of the two islands through a historical analysis of the island-to-island relationship between the 17th and 21st Centuries and proposing the concept of 'impeded archipelago' to describe analogous situations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central governments in multinational states frequently deploy indirect rule to contain peripheral nationalism. Through the exchange of economic resources for political control, local notables are co-opted into cementing loyalty to the central state. Although nationalism often has cultural roots, these can fail to bear fruit because indirect rulers prevent them from developing. When the incentives sustaining support for indirect rulers change, this can open a window of opportunity for nationalism. This article examines how culture, institutions and economics influence center-periphery relations, specifically the demand for autonomy and nationalist parties. Utilizing new, disaggregated data and an original survey from the French island of Corsica, we show that indirect rulers have managed to contain nationalist parties in culturally distinct communes, specifically those that are more dependent on public funds. Only where a thriving private sector offers alternatives to state dependence, lessening the force of indirect rule, is cultural distinctiveness associated with nationalist voting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The analysis of the seismicity catalog (1996 to 2019) covering the region from the Jura mountains to Corsica provides a first-order image of the distribution of earthquakes, highlighting large structures such as the Briançonnais and Piedmontais seismic arcs, the eastward deepening of the focal depths through the Western Alps, several large active faults (e.g. Belledonne, Middle Durance, Ligure). Over this period the magnitudes are moderate and the focal mechanisms of the main events display a diversity of seismic behaviors that can be explained by the complexity of the different geological domains with a more or less strong structural inheritage, by variable rheological characteristics at the scale of the crust and by the joint action of different mechanisms of deformation. The distribution of the historical events is in fairly good agreement with the instrumental seismicity, but several earthquakes of M > 6 are highlighted since the 14th century until the beginning of the 20th. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The origins of the names of the 177 species of stoneflies occurring in the Italian region are listed. These names chiefly refer to a taxonomic characteristic (56 species), then a dedication to a well-known entomologist or to the collector (52), then to either a geographical - ethnological (45) or to an ecological aspect (9). The remaining species are dedicated to someone in the author's family (6) or to an artist or scientist (3). Finally, 6 other species have a symbolic name. In addition, we also provide an exhaustive bibliography of the original species descriptions of the Italian Plecoptera fauna. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We used the COI marker, the most popular DNA barcode for the animal kingdom, to assess the taxonomic status of Corsican populations of eight groups of species of ants that occur both on Corsica and the European mainland. (i) In two groups, we detected no genetic differentiation between Corsica and the continent. Absence of differentiation across varieties of Aphaenogaster spinosa within Corsica confirm current synonymies. (ii) In four groups, we detected strong genetic differentiation between Corsica and the continent, confirming recent taxonomic studies based on morphology for three of these groups. For the fourth group, we propose that the status of Corsican populations be raised from sub-species to species: Temnothorax cordieri stat. rev. (iii) In one group, the genetic differentiation and morphological differences do not support splitting and as a consequence we propose to accept the previous synonymy Temnothorax tuberum = Temnothorax melanocephalus. (iv) In Myrmica scabrinodis and Myrmica spinosior, COI sequence information is largely inconsistent with morphology and geography, not only on Corsica but also on the mainland, and should not be used to support taxonomic decisions. Although the use of COI has drawbacks, it is globally consistent with morphology and can be used to complement morphological ant taxonomy. We provide an updated checklist of ants of Corsica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper focuses on the ability of the European Leaf-toed gecko, Euleptes europaea , an endemic species of the western Mediterranean, to live in low-nutrient habitats. Its distribution is mainly insular and particularly noteworthy is its ability to live on islets and rocks. This work includes data originating from surveys carried out on 111 islands surrounding the island of Corsica (France) in search of herpetofauna. E. europaea is able to survive on the smallest islets, with low habitat complexity, suggesting a pre-adaptation of this species to island life. Moreover, high population densities associated with a low biomass seem to facilitate survival on island. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We conducted a serologic survey for Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus antibodies in livestock (cattle, sheep, and goats; N = 3,890) on Corsica (island of France) during 2014-2016. Overall, 9.1% of animals were seropositive, suggesting this virus circulates on Corsica. However, virus identification is needed to confirm these results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Corsican Painted Frog Discoglossus montalentii has received little research attention since its discovery, which creates uncertainty about its distribution and conservation status. We here use a combination of field surveys, ecological niche modelling (ENM) and niche overlap analyses to (i) update the D. montalentii distribution; (ii) determine its potential range, and (iii) assess if presence of Discoglossus sardus influences that of D. montalentii. Our surveys reveal presence of D. montalentii at low and mid-altitudes throughout Cap Corse and near the north-western coast, while ENMs suggest that similar climatically and topographically suitable habitats occur beyond the confirmed range in northern- and westernmost Corsica. No evidence for competitive exclusion by D. sardus was found, with both species displaying broad niche overlap at macroscale. Whether potential differences between these species do exist at microhabitat level remains worth exploring. We finally review the conservation status of D. montalentii , and assemble practical knowledge to inform future conservation assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corsica is a mountainous French island in the north‐west of the Mediterranean Sea presenting a large diversity of natural environments where many interactions between humans, domestic animals and wild fauna occur. Despite this favourable context, tick‐borne pathogens (TBPs) have not systematically been investigated. In this study, a large number of TBPs were screened in ticks collected over a period of one year from domestic and wild hosts in Corsica. More than 1,500 ticks belonging to nine species and five genera (Rhipicephalus, Hyalomma, Dermacentor, Ixodes and Haemaphysalis) were analysed individually or pooled (by species, gender, host and locality). A real‐time microfluidic PCR was used for high‐throughput screening of TBP DNA. This advanced methodology enabled the simultaneous detection of 29 bacterial and 12 parasitic species (including Borrelia, Anaplasma, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, Bartonella, Candidatus Neoehrlichia, Coxiella, Francisella, Babesia and Theileria). The Crimean–Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) virus was investigated individually in tick species known to be vectors or carriers of this virus. In almost half of the tick pools (48%), DNA from at least one pathogen was detected and eleven species of TBPs from six genera were reported. TBPs were found in ticks from all collected hosts and were present in more than 80% of the investigated area. The detection of DNA of certain species confirmed the previous identification of these pathogens in Corsica, such as Rickettsia aeschlimannii (23% of pools), Rickettsia slovaca (5%), Anaplasma marginale (4%) and Theileria equi (0.4%), but most TBP DNA identified had not previously been reported in Corsican ticks. This included Anaplasma phagocytophilum (16%), Rickettsia helvetica (1%), Borrelia afzelii (0.7%), Borrelia miyamotoi (1%), Bartonella henselae (2%), Babesia bigemina (2%) and Babesia ovis (0.5%). The high tick infection rate and the diversity of TBPs reported in this study highlight the probable role of animals as reservoir hosts of zoonotic pathogens and human exposure to TBPs in Corsica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the Mediterranean region, Corsica represents one of the most important hotspots of biodiversity, partly due to the high number of endemics species. This region is also one of the most affected by forest fires worldwide. The present vegetation is adapted to a wide range of disturbance regimes, but a change in fire frequency or intensity in the future may severely affect ecological resources and other socio-economical aspects. Here, we study the dynamics of vegetation–human–fire interactions for the past 12,000 years as recorded by Lake Bastani (Corsica, France). We used well-dated sedimentary records of charcoal, pollen and fungal spores to infer past fire regime, land cover and pastoral activities, respectively, and we compared our results with charcoal records from two other Corsican lakes (Nino and Creno, respectively). Our results suggest that climate and natural fires were the main factors shaping the landscape before 5000 cal. BP. Then, the extraordinary diversity of the current Corsican vegetation has been mainly promoted by human activities on the island (i.e. deforestation and pastoralism) at least from the Bronze Age (3500 cal. BP). The top of our record shows a sharp decrease in fungal remains (Sporormiella -type), usually associated with pastoral activities, which could be attributed to the land abandonment occurring since a few decades. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beekeeping is facing challenges worldwide and management of honeybee biodiversity is a key stake. In France, some set ups aim at conserving local honey bees whereas prevailing model selects honeybees for production first. The Corsican honeybee have a unique situation as the stakeholders both aim at maintaining and making selection of the local ecotype, with an aim of honey production with bees adapted to the island apiary conditions. This paper aims at questioning how such a set-up has been built. Our work is based on interviews of beekeeping stakeholders. We first show the strong links between the local ecotype management and the protected designation of origin for the honey. We then show that selection criteria are not specific to the local conditions, whereas the activity in general appears very connected to those conditions. We show that the set up for selection of the Corsican bee produces (and is expected for) other elements then the single genetic aspects. We show that the management of local bee population, rather than combining two genetic management orientations, combines several items of interests beyond the single genetic management aspects, and should be comprehended in its milieu (biogeographical, sociotechnical, socioeconomics, etc.) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In amphibians, the study of trophic niche is important to better understand the species ecological adaptation, in particular along gradients or in heterogeneous habitats. In this framework, we analysed the trophic strategies of two populations of the endemic Corsican brook newt Euproctus montanus, one living in a Mediterranean lowland and the other in a mountain stream. In both sites, we performed dietary analysis using stomach flushing and assessed the available invertebrate prey community. Further, we estimated newt density using removal sampling. Streams were similar in invertebrate prey abundance (P = 0.15), but differed in prey diversity (P < 0.001), the Mediterranean lowland site possessing a higher diversity of invertebrate prey. The newts' trophic strategies were analysed at the population level and also at the individual one to assess in detail the trophic specialization. In both sites newt density was similar and the population realized trophic niche displayed a large overlap with the available prey community. Therefore, both populations behaved as broad trophic generalists. However, in the Mediterranean lowland stream, where available resources were more diverse, there was evidence of a significant degree of individual trophic specialization. This finding is consistent with the classic niche variation hypothesis, that predicts a higher individual differentiation in presence of high resource diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karyological, flow-cytometric and molecular analyses indicate that the genus Leucanthemum Mill. (Compositae, Anthemideae) is represented in Corsica (Corse) by two species: the tetraploid L. ircutianum DC. and the hexaploid L. corsicum (Less.) DC. The indication of the occurrence of the diploid L. vulgare Lam. on the island and of a tetraploid chromosome number for L. corsicum, given in former treatments of the genus for Corsica, could not be corroborated. AFLP fingerprinting further suggests that the infraspecific taxonomy of L. corsicum with two subspecies (L. corsicum subsp. corsicum and subsp. fenzlii) and three forms (L. corsicum f. corsicum, f. pinnatifidum and f. eschenlohrianum), which is mainly based on differences in the degree of leaf dissection, is not backed by genetic discontinuities. Owing to the observed little variation in leaf dissection within populations in the wild and the constancy of these features under cultivation, we propose the rank of varieties to taxonomically acknowledge these different stages in the broad spectrum of leaf-dissection grades exhibited by L. corsicum. As a consequence, the two new combinations L. corsicum var. eschenlohrianum (Gamisans) Vogt, Hugot & Oberpr. and L. corsicum var. fenzlii (Gamisans) Vogt, Hugot & Oberpr. are proposed. Citation: Oberprieler C., Schinhärl L., Wagner F., Hugot L. & Vogt R. 2019: Karyological and molecular analysis of Leucanthemum (Compositae, Anthemideae) in Corsica. – Willdenowia 49: 411–420. doi: https://doi.org/10.3372 Version of record first published online on 4 December 2019 ahead of inclusion in December 2019 issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coxiella burnetii and Toxoplasma gondii are intracellular pathogens that cause important reproductive disorders in humans and animals worldwide, which translates into high economic losses. The aim of this study was to analyze the possible role of peridomestic small mammals in the maintenance and transmission of C. burnetii and T. gondii in the Mediterranean island of Corsica, by the analysis of the seroprevalence in rodents. Our results showed a wide distribution of C. burnetii and T. gondii in Corsica in Rattus rattus and Mus musculus domesticus. The overall seroprevalence of anti-C. burnetii was 9.32%, being 8.73% from R. rattus and 13.33% from M. m. domesticus. With respect to T. gondii, seropositive rodents were observed in 12.96% of total animals, being 12.76% from rats and 14.29% from mice. Taking into consideration the large range of host these pathogens can infect, including humans and livestock, and their pathologies, the results provided by this study are relevant for public health and veterinary, and could help the governmental entities to prevent possible infectious focuses of Q fever and toxoplasmosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

James Boswell (1740–1795) is most famous for writing the masterly biography of his friend and mentor The Life of Samuel Johnson, published in 1791, only a few years before his own death. However, during Boswell's own lifetime he was far more famous for his other major work, the Account of Corsica (1768). The Account of Corsica has been rather neglected by modern scholarship. This article will attempt show its importance in the context of the mid eighteenth century. Boswell's Account was in fact the latest in a series of British publications concerning the island of Corsica during the eighteenth century. This article will attempt to trace the evolution of the ideas of Corsica that developed in Britain; beginning with the outbreak of the Corsican revolt in 1728, and culminating with the publication of Boswell's Account of Corsica in 1768. Corsica became an important case study for British self-reflection, concerning the type of Empire they would become. The main question raised by the case study of Corsica was whether Britain should be an empire that protects liberty across the globe, or a metropolitan commercial state? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The present work aims to present the electrical energy situation of several French islands spread over the World. Various aspects are successively studied: repartition of energy means, renewable energy part in the production with a focus on the intermittent renewable sources, legal and financial aspect. The electrical situation of the islands is compared with the French mainland one. The electricity production cost in the islands are presented and the financial features for renewable energy in France are exposed. In a second part, a focus is realized on the Corsica Island situated in the Mediterranean Sea and partially connected to Italy. Successively, the energy mix, the objective of the new energy plan for 2023 and the renewable energy situation, present and future, are presented. Even if the integration of non-programmable renewable energy plants is more complex in small insular networks, the high cost of electricity generation in such territories encourages the introduction of wind and PV systems. The islands are good laboratories for the development of intermittent and stochastic renewable energy systems. Highlights • Several case studies for French islands spread over the planet. • Electrical particularities of the not-interconnected territories and recognition of these specificities by the law. • Particular situation of Corsican Island. • Integration of intermittent renewable sources in small electrical networks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract This paper asks how standardization is related to different regimes of language by looking at standardization in a minority language context, Corsica. This regime, which is based on polynomie, a plural ideology of language, was constructed in opposition to the ideological monolingual bulwark of the French State. Through an analysis of signage, institutionally produced websites and other texts, and sports teams banners, I look at how this language 'from somewhere' is framed as a) a source of personal speaker identity and legitimacy; b) a right/resource; c) an obligation/constraint and d) as an emblem of a whole (the Corsican language/the Corsican people) defined by the particular kinds of diversity that are recognized in the polynomic system. Highlights • All standardization regimes both enable and constrain. • This regime was constructed in opposition to the ideological monolingual bulwark of the French State. • In the Corsican case difference is defined as legitimate rather than as nonstandard. • Unlike other forms of standardization, polynomie places agency at the heart of linguistic identity and action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ehrlichiosis are severe, feverish tick‐borne illnesses caused by specific species within the genus Ehrlichia (Anaplasmataceae family). Recent data suggest that ruminants in Corsica area reservoir for several Anaplasmataceae species. The purpose of our study was to determine whether Ehrlichia species could be detected in ticks collected in Corsican ruminants by using molecular methods. Ticks were collected in northern Corsica: (i) in May 2016 from sheep bred in one farm located in a 5000‐inhabitants village and (ii) from cattle in June and July 2016 in a slaughterhouse. There sheep and cattle whole skin was inspected and ticks were collected manually. A total of 647 ticks was collected in northern Corsica during this study: 556 (86%) belonged to the Rhipicephalus bursa species and 91 (14%) to Hyalomma marginatum. The 91 H. marginatum ticks were organized in 27 pools, of which one (3.7%) was found positive for the presence of E. minasensis; this pool consisted of six ticks collected from a cow bred and raised northwestern Corsica. Ehrlichial DNA was not detected in R. bursa ticks. The 16S rRNA and groEL gene sequences of Ehrlichia detected in the H. marginatum pool showed 100% (303/303 bp) and 99.8% (555/556) of nucleotide identity with E. minasensis, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated the highest closeness with E. minasensis UFMG‐EV genotype than to any other E. canis strains. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. minasensis outside of Brazil, Ethiopia and Canada. This identification of E. minasensis in H. marginatum merits to be further investigated and pleads for translational studies addressing the potential impact of vector‐borne diseases of human and veterinary impact through large‐scale research and surveillance programmes in Corsica. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of the genus Rheocricotopus subgenus Rheocricotopus (R. costai sp. n. and R. pyrenaeus sp. n.) are diagnosed and described, based on material collected in some glacial rheocrenes and streams located in the high mountains of Corsica and the Eastern Pyrenees. Rheocricotopus costai sp. n. is described as male and pupal exuviae, while R. pyrenaeus sp. n. is described as male and female adults and pupal exuviae. Rheocricotopus costai sp. n. is known from both western Corsica and the Eastern Pyrenees, while the geographical distribution of R. pyrenaeus sp. n. is restricted to the protected area of the Mantet Nature Reserve (Eastern Pyrenees). Larvae of both R. costai sp. n. and R. pyrenaeus sp. n. are exclusively rheophilic being confined to lotic habitats located at high altitude (crenal and rhithral). Apart from the presence of an additional median circular small patch of spinules on tergite III of the exuviae, R. costai sp. n. directly keys into the effusus-group on the basis of several specific characters found in the male adult. Nevertheless, R. pyrenaeus sp. n. keys near both of R. reduncus Sæther & Schnell, 1988 (known from Finland, Norway and Russian Far East) and R. tchernovskii Makarchenko & Makarchenko, 2005 (known from Russian Far East), based in particular, on the unusual shape of the superior volsella which is inwardly markedly turned over distally. The genus Rheocricotopus is currently represented by 10 species in continental France and by 8 species in Corsica (Moubayed-Breil 2016). Consequently, the description of R. costai sp. n. and R. pyrenaeus sp. n. increases the total number in the genus to 12 for continental France and to 9 for Corsica. Taxonomic remarks, discussion and comments on the ecology and geographical distribution of the two new species are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]