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Published and unpublished data on the centipedes of Corsica (France) is summarised and critically reviewed in this paper. Thirty-three species are listed and discussed (1 Scutigeromorpha, 11 Lithobiomorpha, 4 Scolopendromorpha, 17 Geophilomorpha), one of which is new to the island: Henia (Pseudochaetechelyne) brevis (Silvestri, 1896). General geographical distribution, chorotype, exact localities and ecological notes (altitudinal range, habitats) are given for each species. Eight species are Corsican endemics. Taxonomic remarks are given for some species. General notes on the composition of the centipede fauna of Corsica and its zoogeographic affinities as well as remarks on the ecology of the species and their assemblages are also included.
Scutigeromorpha, Lithobiomorpha, Scolopendromorpha, Geophilomorpha, taxonomy, distribution, zoogeographic analysis, ecology, catalogue, Corsica
Corsica (42°21'–43°00'N, 8°30'–9°30'E) is the fourth largest island of the Mediterranean Sea, after Sicily, Sardinia and Cyprus. Compared with other myriapods (see for instance
At the beginning of the 19th century the French zoologists
Subsequent contributions (
The aim of this paper is to summarise existing information on the distribution and ecology of the centipedes of Corsica. Thus it can be a source of information not only for taxonomists, biogeographers and ecologists but also for a larger number of people involved in the wildlife management, landscape planning, and environmental impact assessment. For further details on geography, geology, climate and present-day vegetation of the study area see for instance
The present catalogue is based on critically reviewed literature records and unpublished material. Species are listed according to the arrangement provided by
The following information is provided for each species:
– scientific name, author and year of publication according to
– bibliographic references relevant to Corsican centipedes are listed chronologically/alphabetically, with the name of the species, author and year of description as originally quoted; uncertain records are quoted with a “?” and discussed under Remarks;
– literature records for the epigeic and cave localities are arranged separately according to the administrative provinces (Corse-du-Sud, 2A; Haute-Corse, 2B) and listed alphabetically; localities are spelled mainly according to those of the Michelin road map (2002); in order to give a more precise position for localities, details about toponyms are added in square brackets; generic citations from the Sardinia-Corsica geographic complex and Corsica are also included; each locality is followed by the corresponding bibliographic data (given as a number directly referring to the list of bibliographic references for the species) and, in order to give a first account on the ecological distribution of the species, assigned to the corresponding altitudinal belt of the present-day vegetation - in square brackets - according to the classification of
– the material examined is listed in the same way as in the literature records: locality, vegetation type and/or habitat, elevation above sea level, date, number, age and sex of specimens, collector and repository are given for each record as available; collecting methods are also mentioned if known;
– general geographical distribution, mainly as a list of the countries or geopolitical units from where the species is known according to
– chorotype according to
– ecological notes as a synthesis of the published and unpublished available data on the altitudinal range and habitats it occurs in Corsica; for each habitat the number of sites where the species has been collected is given in parenthesis, a list of references where habitat data in Corsica has been published is also given and a classification of the species recorded in caves according to the classic trogloxene, sub-/eu-troglophilic and troglobitic categories (
– remarks including taxonomic notes, comments on uncertain records and descriptions of the material examined where relevant. In the descriptions of lithobiomorph specimens, the body length is measured from the anterior margin of the head shield to the posterior end of the intermediate tergite (adult specimens) or to the posterior end of the trunk (larvae).
Terminology for external anatomy follows that of
Repositories: CEI = E. Iorio collection, Marseille (France); CMZ = M. Zapparoli collection, Viterbo (Italy); NHMW = Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (Austria); NHMD = Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen; MNHN = Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris (France).
Species identification: EI = E. Iorio, MZ = M. Zapparoli.
Collectors: AVT = A. Vigna Taglianti, EB = E. Bayon, EP & HE = Enghoff-Poulsen & H. Enghoff, JML = J.-M. Lemaire, JR = J. Raffaldi, KT = K. Thaler, LF = L. Fancello, MZ = M. Zapparoli, RA = R. Argano, VS = V. Sbordoni.
Literature records and material examined: ex/exx = specimen/specimens; imm. = immature/immatures; Is. = island/islands.
Other: VaC = anterior spine on the ventral side of the coxa of the leg; DpP = posterior spine on the dorsal side of the prefemur of the leg; lp = number of leg-bearing segments.
List of the species Order Scutigeromorpha Pocock, 1895 Family Scutigeridae Gervais, 1837 Scutigera Lamarck, 1801http://species-id.net/wiki/Scutigera_coleoptrata
General. Sardinia-Corsica (3). Corsica, garrigue (5). Corsica (1, 4, 6). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Giraglia Is. (4) [I]. Cave. Haute-Corse, 2B - [Furiani], cave of Sulane, [240 m] (2) [I].
Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Macinaggio, Route du Douanier, low maquis, 30 m: 9.IV.2004, MZ, 1 larva with 11 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [I].
Europa: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia (including Cherso Is.), Czech Republic, France (mainland, Corsica), Germany (southern), Greece (mainland, insular including Crete), Hungary (southern), Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Republic of Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, Portugal (mainland), Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain (mainland, Balearic Is.), Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine (including Crimea); North Africa: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia; West Asia: Azerbaijan, Georgia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Turkey; Central Asia: Turkmenistan. Introduced in central and northern Europe (British Is., Channel Is., mainland Denmark, north and central France, The Netherlands), Atlantic islands (Azores, Bermuda, Cape Verde, Canary, Madeira, Salvage, St. Helena); Austral Africa (Angola, Cameroon, Kenya, Mozambique, Republic of South Africa, Tanzania, Zimbabwe); North (Canada, USA), Central (Mexico) and South (Argentina, Uruguay) America; South-east Asia (Taiwan, Vietnam) (
Centralasiatic-Mediterranean.
30–240 m; recorded only from localities in the Mesomediterranean belt, in low maquis (1 site) and garrigue (1 site). Also in caves (1 site; subtroglophilic species). See
To this species must be referred the generic quotation of “Scutigère” published in
http://species-id.net/wiki/Eupolybothrus_nudicornis
General. Sardinia-Corsica (12). Corsica (4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14, 16, 17). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Aidone [= Aitone], 1050 m (10) [II]. Ajaccio (3, loc. typ. of Lithobius (Polybothrus) impressus corsicus Léger and Duboscq, 1903) [I]. Bonifacio (17) [I]. Ocana, canton d’Ajaccio (17) [I]. Villanova, canton d’Ajaccio (17) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Cap Corse (3, loc. typ. of Lithobius (Polybothrus) impressus corsicus Léger and Duboscq, 1903) [I]. Casanova, Saint Pierre de Venaco (17) [I]. Corte (1, 3, loc. typ. of Lithobius (Polybothrus) impressus corsicus Léger and Duboscq, 1903) [I]. Corte, Lac de Melo, 1711 m, hygrophilous meadow around the lake (15) [IV]. Haute-Asco, near Mount Cinto, ca 1700 m, hygrophilous meadow (15) [IV]. Valdoniella [= Valdu Niellu] (10) [III]. Vizzavona (2, 8) [III]. Cave. Haute-Corse, 2B - [Lano], cave e’ Cherpinede, [800 m] (11) [II].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Evisa, falls of Aitone, Pinus laricio wood, 900 m: 17.IV.2004, MZ, 7 ♂♂, 5 ♀♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Evisa, falls of Aitone, 1000 m: 3.VIII.1997, MZ, 4 exx MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Porto, between Col de la Croix and Plage de Tuara, low maquis, 200–250 m: 14.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♀ imm. MZ det. (CMZ) [I].Propriano, St. Maria Sichè, [500 m]: 3.I.2007, LF, 1 ♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Zonza, surroundings: 13.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ♀ imm. MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Asco River valley, 1000 m: 6.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ♂ imm., 4 ♀♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Cap Corse, Col St. Lucia, Tour de Seneca, Quercus ilex wood, 450 m: 11.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♂, 1 ♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Col de Vergiu, eastern slope, 1150 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 6 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [III]. Corte, Restonica Valley, Pinus laricio wood, 1080 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 2 ♀♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Macinaggio, Route du Douanier, low maquis, 30 m: 9.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♂ imm. MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Nebbio, Col Verzu, maquis, 300 m: 12.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♂, 2 ♀♀ imm., 1 imm. MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Vizzavona, Fagus sylvatica wood, 1600 m: 2.IV.1991, RA, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [III].
Europe: France (mainland, Corsica), Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Malta, Spain; North Africa: Algeria (north), Libya (north–west), Morocco (north–east), Tunisia (north, central) (
W-Mediterranean.
30–1700 m; a species recorded from localities in all the vegetation belts, from the Mesomediterranean to the Subalpine and Oromediterranean, in a wide range of habitats, in Pinus laricio woods (2 sites), Fagus sylvatica woods (1 site), Quercus ilex woods (1 site), maquis (2 sites), low maquis (1 site), montane hygrophilous meadows (2 sites); also in caves (1 site; trogloxene species). See
This is the only species of the genus present in the study area. Records from Corsica published under Eupolybothrus impressus (C.L. Koch, 1841) by
Eupolybothrus nudicornis corsicus (Léger & Duboscq, 1903) is currently considered a junior synonym of Eupolybothrus nudicornis nudicornis (Gervais, 1837) because, apparently, no distinctive morphological charactes are recognizable between the two forms (e.g.,
The generic record of a single immature specimen from the cave of Cherpinede, probably belonging to Bothropolys elongatus corsicus according to
The subgeneric assignment is according to
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_aidonensis
General. Corsica (4, 5, 6). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Aidone [= Aitone], near, 1050–1070 m, “in wald” (1, loc. typ. of Lithobius aidonensis Verhoeff, 1943) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Lento, Tralimonti (6) [I]. Olmi-Cappella (6) [II]. Valdoniella [= Valdu Niellu], near Aidone [= Aitone], 1050 m (2, loc. typ. of Lithobius aidonensis valdoniellensis Verhoeff, 1943) [II]. Cave. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Cargèse, cave Manuel-Ange (6) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Castiglione, cave Labarecco (6) [I]. Lano, cave e’ Cherpinede, [800 m] (3, 6) [II].
Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Olmi-Cappella, near the cemetery: 20.XI.2010, JR-JML, 2 ♂♂ EI det. (CEI) [II].
Corsica (
Corsican endemic, W-Mediterranean affinities (?).
1050–1070 m; recorded only from localities of the Mesomediterranean and Supramediterranean belts. Epigeic, one record from a forest habitat (1 site); also in caves (3 sites; trogloxene species). See
The identity of Lithobius aidonensis valdoniellensis with Lithobius aidonensis, first suggested by
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_blanchardi
General. Corsica (5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ajaccio (3, 26, loc. typ. of Lithobius (Archilithobius) blanchardi Léger and Duboscq, 1903) [I]. Villanova (26) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Casanova, Saint Pierre de Venaco (26) [I]. Corte (26) [I]. Mount Renoso (26) [IV]. Olmi-Cappella (26) [II]. Patrimonio (26) [I]. Vizzavona (1, 2, 4, 13) [III]. Cave. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - [Conca], cave Tavonu [Tavono in
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Col de Bavella, NE slope, 1100 m: 14.VII.1982, AVT, 1 ♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Evisa, falls of Aitone, 1000 m: 3.VIII.1997, MZ, 4 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Evisa, Castanea sativa wood above the village, 850 m: 13.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♂ MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Ota, near, 350 m: 1.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ♀ subadult MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Zonza, surroundings: 13.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ♂ without VaC 15th MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Asco River valley, 1000 m: 6.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ♂, 1 ♀ subadult MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Corte, Restonica Valley, Pinus laricio wood, 1080 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 2 ♀♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Between L’lle Rousse and Corbara, 42° 37'08"N, 8°56'30"E, EP & HE, 6 ♂♂, 1 ♀, 1 ♀ subadult MZ det. (NHMD) [I]. Mount Cinto, NW slope, 1700–1900 m: 29.VII.1982, AVT, 1 ♂, 1 ♀ (2+2 gonopodal spurs), 2 ♀♀ subadult (1+1-2+2 gonopodal spurs) MZ det. (CMZ) [IV]. Cave. Haute-Corse, 2B - Caporalino, cave of Monte A Supietra: 2010, JR-JML, 1 ♀ EI det. (CEI) [I]. Castiglione, cave of A Leccia Torta, [670 m]: 2010, JR-JML, 4 ♂♂, 4 ♀♀ EI det. (CEI) [I].
Corsica (
W-Mediterranean.
350–1100 m, altitudinal range probably wider; recorded from localities in all the vegetation belts of Corsica, especially the Mesomediterranean, apart from the Alpine belt. The few habitat records for this species are from forest locations (Pinus laricio, 1 site; Castanea sativa, 1 site); also in caves (5 sites; trogloxene species). See
The supposed presence of Lithobius tricuspis Meinert, 1872 in the Sardinia-Corsica complex has been already discussed by
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_brandensis
General. Corsica (4, 5, 6). Cave. Haute-Corse, 2B - [Brando], cave of Brando, 90 m [88 m in
Corsica (
Corsican endemic, uncertain affinities.
90–240 m; only in caves (3 sites; eutroglophilic species?). See
To this species in part refers the generic quotation of “Chilopodes” published in
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_castaneus
General. Sardinia-Corsica (9). Corsica (2, 3, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Bastelica, Val d’Ese, 1671 m, Fagus sylvatica (13) [III]. Between Bastelica and Mount Renoso, 1200 m, Quercetum (13) [II]. Piana, Aitone forest (4) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Corte (1) [I]. Valdoniella [= Valdu Niellu], 1000–1100 m (6, loc. typ. of Lithobius castaneus remyi Verhoeff, 1943) [III]. Vivario, 600 m (13) [I]. Vizzavona (1) [III]. Cave. Haute-Corse, 2B - [Castiglione], cave of [A] Leccia Torta, [670 m] (8) [I].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Evisa, falls of Aitone, Pinus laricio wood, 900 m: 17.IV.2004, MZ, 2 ♂♂, 1 imm. MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Evisa, falls of Aitone, 1000 m: 3.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Asco River valley, 1000 m: 6.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ♀ imm. MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Col de Vergiu, eastern slope, 1150 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 4 ♂♂, 2 ♀♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [III]. Corte, Restonica Valley, Pinus laricio wood, 950–1000 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 6 ♂♂, 5 ♂♂ imm., 2 ♀♀, 3 ♀♀ imm. MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Mount Rotondo, NW slope, Vallone loc. Rinoso, 1800–2200 m: 26.VII.1982, AVT, 2 exx MZ det. (CMZ) [IV]. Olmi-Cappella, near the cemetery: 20.XI.2010, JR-JML, 1 ♂ EI det. (CEI) [II]. Vizzavona, Fagus sylvatica wood, 1600 m: 2.IV.1991, RA, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [III]. Vizzavona: VII.1915, EB, 9 exx MZ det. (CMZ) [III]. Cave. Haute-Corse, 2B - Castiglione, cave of A Leccia Torta, [670 m]: 2010, JR-JML, 1 ♂ EI det. (CEI) [I].
Europe: Austria (south), Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, France (Pyrenees, Alpes Maritimes, Corsica), Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Malta, Portugal (mainland), Serbia, Slovenia, Spain (mainland); records from Bulgaria require confirmation; North Africa: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia; Central America: Guatemala (introduced, established?).
S-European.
600–2200 m, inferior altitudinal limit probably lower; woodland species recorded from localities in all vegetation belts except the Alpine, in Pinus laricio woods (2 sites), Fagus sylvatica woods (2 sites) and in Quercus woods (1 site); also in caves (1 record). See
To this species refers the generic quotation of “Chilopodes” published in
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_cherpinedensis
General. Corsica (1). Cave. Haute-Corse, 2B - Lano, cave e’ Cherpinede, [800 m], loc. typ. of Lithobius (Lithobius) cherpinedensis Iorio, 2010 (1) [II].
Corsica.
Corsican endemic; W-European affinities.
800 m; troglobitic species found only in the type locality (Iorio 2010b).
This is the only true troglobitic centipede so far known in Corsica. Its relatioships with the western European cave Lithobius species especially Lithobius (Lithobius) anophtalmus Matic, 1957 from northern Spain (Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya provinces) has been discussed by
Lithobius cherpinedensis Iorio, 2010: female holotype, Lano, cave of Cherpinede, 20.XI.1967, leg. P. Beron (see Iorio 2010), head and first leg-bearing segments, lateral view. Note the absence of ocelli; the Tömösváry’s organ, although of large size, is very weakly chitinized and invisible in the picture.
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_lapidicola
General. Sardinia-Corsica (8, 9, 10). Corsica (3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 15, 16). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Bastelica, Castanetum (16) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B (13) - Casamozza (16) [I]. Corte (1) [I]. Corte, Lac de Melo, 1711 m, hygrophilous meadow around the lake (13) [IV]. Haute-Asco, near Mount Cinto, ca 1700 m, hygrophilous meadow (13) [IV]. Vizzavona (1, 2) [III]. Vizzavona, Col de Vizzavona (16) [III]. Cave. Haute-Corse, 2B - [Brando], cave of Brando [88 m] (7) [I]. Sisco, cave of Sisco [sea level] (7, 16) [I]. [Sorio], cave of Gudrone, [420 m ca] (7) [I].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Evisa, falls of Aitone, Pinus laricio wood: 13.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♂, 1 ♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Porto, between Col de la Croix and Plage de Tuara, low maquis, 200–250 m: 14.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♀ imm. MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Zonza, surroundings: 13.VIII.1997, MZ, 2 ♂♂, 1 ♀, 1 ♀ imm. MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Asco River valley, 1000 m: 6.VIII.1997, MZ, 9 ♂♂, 1 ♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Cap Corse, Col St. Lucia, Tour de Seneca, Quercus ilex wood, 450 m: 11.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Col de Vergiu, eastern slope, 1150 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 12 ♂♂, 14 ♀♀ MZ det. (CMZ) [III]. Corte, Restonica Valley, Pinus laricio wood, 1080 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♂ MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Mount Renoso, 2300 m: [no date], PB, 1 ♂ EI det. (MNHN) [V].
Europe: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Denmark (mainland), France (mainland, Corsica), Germany, Great Britain, Greece (mainland, Ionian Is.), Hungary, Ireland, Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain (mainland, Canary Is.), Sweden, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Ukraine.
Centraleuropean.
200–2300 m, inferior altidudinal limit probably lower; euriecious species, recorded from localities in all vegetation belts, in Pinus laricio woods(2 sites), in montane hygrophilous meadows (2 sites), in Castanetum (1 site), in Quercus ilex woods (1 site), in low maquis (1 site); also in caves (3 sites; trogloxene species). See
The cave records of Lithobius borealis published by
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_nodulipes
General. Corsica (1). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Nonza (1) [I]. Omessa, 800 m (1) [I]. Pietracorbara (1) [I].
Europe: Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Czech Republic, Germany, Hungary, Italy (mainland), Liechtenstein?, Romania, Slovenia, Switzerland (
Centraleuropean.
Only one record, from 800 m above sea level; recorded only from localities of the Mesomediterranean belt.
The Corsican specimens of Lithobius nodulipes recently found by
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_pilicornis
General. Sardinia-Corsica (6). Corsica (3, 4, 7, 8, 9). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ajaccio (1, 2) [I]. Bastelica, above of Petite Scaldasole (9) [III]. Bastelica, Val d’Ese, 1671 m, Fagus sylvatica (9) [III]. Between Bastelica and Mount Renoso, 1200 m, Quercetum (9) [II]. Ucciani (5, loc. typ. of Lithobius doriae uccianensis Verhoeff, 1943) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Folleli, Faille d’Emerini [Mt] (9) [III]. Vizzavona (2) [III].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Col de Bavella, NE slope, 1100 m: 14.VII.1982, AVT, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Col de Forét de l’Ospedale, 950 m: 14.VII.1982, AVT, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Zonza, surroundings: 13.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ♂ MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Vizzavona, Fagus sylvatica wood, 1100 m: 2.VI.1982, VS, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [III]; ibidem, Fagus sylvatica wood, 1600 m: 2.IV.1991, RA, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [III].
Europe: France (mainland, Corsica), Great Britain (including Channel Is.), Italy (northern regions, Sardinia), Portugal (mainland, Azores, Madeira), Spain (mainland, Canary Is.), The Netherlands; North Africa: Morocco; introduced in Ireland, Nicobare Is. (India) and Sao Tomé (Gulf of Guinea).
W-European.
950–1671 m, altitudinal range probably wider; montane and submontane species, recorded from localities in the Supramediterranean and Montane belts; the old record from Ajaccio by
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_raffaldii
General. Corsica (2, 3). Cave. Haute-Corse, 2B - Cagnano, cave d’i Mori (3) [I]. Caporalino, cave of Monte A Supietra (1, 3, loc. typ. of Lithobius (Lithobius) raffaldii Iorio, 2009) [I].
Corsica (
Corsican endemic, W-European affinities.
Elevation range unknown; only found in caves (2 sites; eutroglophilic species). See
Although not completely adapted to the subterranean environment with its fairly numerous ocelli, the only two records so far known of Lithobius raffaldii are from caves. This species is characterized by the presence of very long and highly segmented antennae, and very long legs, in particular legs 14 and 15 (
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_remyi
Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Erbalunga (1, loc. typ. of Monotarsobius remyi Verhoeff, 1943) [I].
Corsica.
Corsican endemic, uncertain affinities.
Elevation range unknown; epigeic species. No records on habitat preferences, the type locality falls however within the Mesomediterranean belt.
The identity of this species has not been reviewed since its description. The species is known only from its type material and inexplicably it has been overlooked in the contemporary check-list of the centipedes of Corsica (
http://species-id.net/wiki/Cryptops_anomalans
General. Sardinia-Corsica (3, 4, 6). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B (5) - Bastia (1, 2) [I]. Vizzavona (2) [III].
Europe: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, European Turkey, France (including Corsica?), Germany, mainland and insular Greece (incl. Crete), Hungary, Italy, Macedonia (FYROM), Montenegro, Romania, S. Ukraine (incl. Crimea), Serbia, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, The Netherlands; introduced in Britain and, probably, North America. Different authors have recorded Cryptops anomalans from Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia (North Africa) (cf. Brölemann, 1921: 104, 1932: 49 as Cryptops Savignyi Leach, 1817); records from Tunisia are very probably due to misidentification and refer to Cryptops trisulcatus (
S-European.
No records.
The older records of Cryptops anomalans and Cryptops anomalans lusitanus Verhoeff, 1896 from Corsica by
The citation of Corse-du-Sud, published in Iorio and Geoffroy (2008: 82) is erroneous and is herewith deleted from the list.
http://species-id.net/wiki/Cryptops_hortensis
General. Sardinia-Corsica (3). Corsica (4, 7). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B (6) - Bastia (1, 2, 5) [I].
Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Cap Corse, Col St. Lucia, Tour de Seneca, Quercus ilex wood, 450 m: 11.IV.2004, MZ, 2 exx MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Ghisoni, Inzecca, collector unknown, 1 ex EI det. (MNHN) [I].
Europe: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark (mainland), Finland, France (mainland, Corsica), Germany, Great Britain, Greece (mainland, insular including Crete), Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Norway, Poland, Portugal (mainland, Azores, Madeira), Romania, Russia (European), Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain (mainland, Canary Is.), Switzerland, Sweden, The Netherlands, Ukraine; North Africa: Morocco; West Asia: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkey (northern), Tadzikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan; North America: Canada (introduced), USA (introduced); Atlantic islands: St. Helena (introduced); Pacific islands: Hawaii (introduced).
Centralasiatic-European.
Local altitudinal range and habitat preferences very poorly known; only one record, from a Quercus ilex wood at 450 m a.s.l. All three previously known localities are situated in the Mesomediterranean belt.
http://species-id.net/wiki/Cryptops_trisulcatus
General. Sardinia-Corsica (6, 7). Corsica (2, 3, 4, 8, 10). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A (9) - Ajaccio (1) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B (9) - Erbalunga (5, loc. typ. of Cryptops trisulcatus corsicus Verhoeff, 1943) [I].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Bonifacio, la Citadelle, collector unknown, 1 ex EI det. (MNHN) [I]. Evisa, falls of Aitone, 1000 m: 3.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Evisa, Castanea sativa wood above the village, 850 m: 13.IV.2004, MZ, 4 exx MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Porto, between Col de la Croix and Plage de Tuara, low maquis, 200–250 m: 14.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [I].Tizzano, 7 km NE: 10.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Cap Corse, Col St. Lucia, Tour de Seneca, Quercus ilex wood, 450 m: 11.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Macinaggio, Route du Douanier, low maquis, 30 m: 9.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [I].
Europe: France (mainland, Corsica), Greece (Ionian Is., Southern Sporades, Crete), Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Maltese Archipelago, Portugal (mainland), Romania, Spain (mainland, Balearic Is., Canary Is.); North Africa: Algeria, Tunisia; West Asia: Turkey (south–east).
Mediterranean.
30–1000 m; thermophilous species; all records originate from the Mesomediterranean and Supramediterranean belts, in Quercus ilex woods (1 site), Castanea sativa woods (1 site), maquis (1 site), low maquis (1 site).
http://species-id.net/wiki/Scolopendra_oraniensis
General. Sardinia-Corsica (9). Corsica (2, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 17). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A (15) - Ajaccio (1, 3, 14) [I].Sargone [= Sagone], near (6) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B (15) - Bastia (3, 14) [I]. [Casamiccioli], Cap [di a] Candela (14) [II]. Corte (14) [I]. [Manso], Pirio (14) [I].
Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Macinaggio, Route du Douanier, low maquis, 30 m: 9.IV.2004, MZ, 2 exx MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Nebbio, Col Verzu, maquis, 300 m: 12.IV.2004, MZ, 2 exx MZ det. (CMZ) [I].
France (Corsica), Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Malta, Portugal (mainland), Spain (mainland, Balearic Is.); North Africa: Algeria, Morocco (
W-Mediterranean.
30–300 m; thermophilous species, recorded only from localities in the Mesomediterranean belt, two records from maquis (low maquis, 1 site).
The old record of Scolopendra affinis from Ajaccio (
http://species-id.net/wiki/Himantarium_gabrielis
General. Sardinia-Corsica (7, 8). Corsica (3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 10, 11). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ajaccio (1) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Ciusco [probably a misspelling for Sisco] (Cap Corse) (2, loc. typ. of Himantarium brölemanni Léger and Duboscq, 1903) [I].
Europe: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, France (mainland, Corsica), Greece (mainland, insular excluding Crete), Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Republic of Macedonia, Montenegro, Romania (southern), Slovenia, quoted from Portugal by
Mediterranean.
No new records; the only two records previously known come from the Mesomediterranean belt. In mainland Italy and Sardinia the species is widespread in many type of habitats, from Mediterranean shrubs to thermophilous forests (
The synonymy of Himantarium brölemanni with Himantarium gabrielis is according to
http://species-id.net/wiki/Stigmatogaster_gracilis
General. Sardinia-Corsica (6). Corsica (3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 10). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ajaccio (le Salario) (1, 2) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Bastia (2) [I]. Corte (2) [I]. Giraglia Is. (8) [I]. Haute-Asco, near Mount Cinto, ca 1600 m, hygrophilous meadow (9) [III]. Vizzavona (2) [III].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ajaccio, Sagone/Vico, approx 300 m, (code 74-4): 27.IX.1974, KT, 1 ♂ 91 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. N Ajaccio, approx 20 m, (code 74-8): 29.IX.1974, KT, 1 ♂ 99 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. N Ajaccio, Golfe de Lava, 10–200 m, (code 74-6): 28.IX.1974, KT, 1 ♀ 101 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. S Ajaccio, Col Cortone, approx 550 m, (code 74-25): 7.X.1974, KT, 3 ♂♂ 97, 101, 101 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I].S Ajaccio, N Porto Pollo, 100 m, (code 74-14): 2.X.1974, KT, 1 ♂ 99 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. S Ajaccio, Port de Chiavari, obh. Coti, approx 400 m, (code 74-10): 29.IX.1974, KT, 1 ♀ 99 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. S Ajaccio, Porto Pollo, approx 15 m, (code 74-15): 2.X.1974, KT, 1 ♀ 103 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. S Ajaccio, uhb. Coti/Chiavari, approx 300 m, (code 74-24): 7.X.1974, KT, 2 ♀♀ 95, 97 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. Villanova, canton d’Ajaccio: 11.XI.1967, PB, 1 ♂ 95 lp EI det. (MNHN) [I].
Europe: Albania, Croatia, France (mainland, Corsica), Greece (mainland, insular excluding Crete), Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Montenegro, Spain (Balearic Is.); North Africa: Algeria, Tunisia.
Mediterranean.
10–1600 m, mostly below 550 m; chiefly recorded from localities in the Mesomediterranean belt but also present in the Montane belt where one record from hygrophilous meadows is known.
http://species-id.net/wiki/Dignathodon_microcephalus
General. Sardinia-Corsica (5). Corsica (2, 6, 7). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ajaccio (1) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Bastia (1) [I]. Corte (1) [I]. Marine de Sisco, “nahe dem Meer” (3, 4, loc. typ. of Dignathodon clavigerum Verhoeff, 1943) [I]. Giraglia Is. (5) [I].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - N Ajaccio, Golfe de Lava, 10–200 m, (code 74-6): 28.IX.1974, KT, 1 ♂ 77 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Patrimonio: 26.XI.1967, PB, 1 ♂ 79 lp EI det. (MNHN) [I].
Europe: Albania, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France (mainland, Corsica), Greece (mainland, insular including Crete), Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Luxembourg (introduced?), Montenegro, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovak Republic, Spain (mainland, Balearic Is.), Ukraine (Crimea); North Africa: Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia; West Asia: Jordan, Israel, Syria, Turkey.
Mediterranean.
10–200 m; thermophilous species, recorded only from localities in the Mesomediterranean belt; common in Mediterranean habitats (
The synonymy of Dignathodon clavigerum with this species is according to
http://species-id.net/wiki/Henia_bicarinata
General. Sardinia-Corsica (5). Corsica (2, 3, 4, 6, 7). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Cap Corse (1) [I]. Vizzavona (1) [III].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Serriera, surroundings, 150 m: 30.VII.1997, MZ, 1 ♀ 71 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [I].
Europe: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, France (mainland, Corsica), Greece (mainland, insular including Crete), Hungary, Iberian Peninsula, Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Macaronesia; North Africa: Maghreb; West Asia: Turkey, Caucasus (
Mediterranean.
150 m; recorded from the Mesomediterranean and Montane belts, no records on habitat preferences.
Subgeneric assignment according to
None.
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ajaccio, Vico, N Sagone, uhb. Col de Sorro, Quercus, Castanea, approx 600 m, (code 74-21): 5.X.1974, KT, 1 ♂ 18 mm long 51 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Corte, Col de Vizzavona, approx 1100 m, (code 74-17): 30.X.1974, KT, 1 ♂ 15 mm long 51 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [III].
Europe: France (mainland, Corsica), British Is., Germany (south-west), Italy (mainland, Pantelleria Is., Sardinia), Moldova (
S-European.
600–1100 m; recorded from two localities in the Mesomediterranean and Montane belts, one record from Quercus and Castanea mixed wood.
No previous records are known from Corsica. The specimen from Vico lacks an apical claw on the last leg and is only tentatively assigned to this species. Subgeneric assignment according to
http://species-id.net/wiki/Henia_montana
General. Corsica (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Vizzavona (1) [III].
Europe: Croatia, France (mainland, Corsica?), Italy (mainland) (
S-European.
No records; the sole locality known seemingly falls in the Montane belt.
Subgeneric assignment according to
http://species-id.net/wiki/Henia_vesuviana
General. Sardinia-Corsica (11). Corsica (3, 5, 10, 14, 15). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ajaccio (2) [I].Bocognano (6, 9, 13, loc. typ. of Chaetechelyne corsica Verhoeff, 1943) [I]. Piana, Aitone forest (4) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Bastia (2) [I]. Cap Corse (2) [I]. Corte (1, 2) [I]. St. Pedrone [= Mt. San Pedrone?], near, 1600 m (7, 8, 12, loc. typ. of Chaetechelyne duboscqui Verhoeff, 1943) [III]. Vizzavona (2) [III].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ajaccio, Propriano/Sartene, Col de St. Georges, 700–850 m (code 74-2): 26.IX.1974, KT, 1 ♂ 65 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. Ajaccio, Vico, N Sagone, Guagno, approx 500 m (code 74-22): 6.X.1974, KT, 1 ♀ 67 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Cap Corse, Col San Nicola, Quercus ilex wood, 320 m: 10.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♀ 75 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Cap Corse, Col St. Lucia, Tour de Seneca, Quercus ilex wood, 450 m: 11.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♀ 65 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Corte, Col de Vizzavona, Fagus sylvatica wood, 1160–1480 m, (code 74-13): 1.X.1974, KT, 1 ♂ 65 lp, 1 imm. 65 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [III]. Corte, Restonica Valley, Pinus laricio wood, 950–1000 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♀ 69 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Vivario, 600 m: 17.XI.1967, PB, 1 ex EI det. (MNHN) [I].
Europe: Croatia, France (mainland, Corsica), Hungary (?), Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Portugal (mainland), Romania (south–west?), Slovenia, Spain (mainland, Balearic Is.), Switzerland (
W-Mediterranean.
320–1600 m; recorded from the Mesomediterranean to the Montane vegetation belts, in Quercus ilex woods (2 sites), Fagus sylvatica woods (1 site), Pinus laricio woods (1 site).
Subgeneric assignment according to
Chaetechelyne duboscqui and Chaetechelyne corsica are both probably conspecific with Henia vesuviana according to
http://species-id.net/wiki/Schendyla_incubationum
General. Corsica (3, 4). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Popaja [= Popaghje] (1, 2, loc. typ. of Schendyla incubationum Verhoeff, 1943) [III].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Evisa, falls of Aitone, 1000 m: 3.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ex 15 mm long, 45 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. N Ajaccio, S Sagone, (code 74-11): 30.IX.1974, KT, 1 ex 10 mm long, 45 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. S Ajaccio, Porto Pollo, approx 15 m, (code 74-15): 2.X.1974, KT, 1 ex mutilated in two segments 10+4 mm long, 43 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Corte, Col de Vizzavona, Fagus sylvatica wood, 1160–1480 m, (code 74-13): 1.X.1974, KT, 1 ex 10 mm long, 47 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [III].
Corsica (
Corsican endemic, uncertain affinities.
15–1480 m; recorded from Mesomediterranean to Montane belts but only one ecological record from Fagus sylvatica woodland is known.
The identity of this species, known only from its type material, a female 11 mm long with 47 leg pairs and immature specimens has never been re-assessed. The material examined is tentatively assigned to this species.
http://species-id.net/wiki/Schendyla_vizzavonae
General. Corsica (3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 11). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Aidone [= Aitone], near, 1050–1070 m (7) [III]. Haute-Corse, 2B - [Altiani], [Ruisseau] La Force, 1150–1200 m (2) [II].Haute-Asco, near Mount Cinto, ca 1700 m, hygrophilous meadow (10) [III]. Petrone [= Mt. San Pedrone?], near, 1600 m (7) [III]. Vizzavona (1, loc. typ. of Schendyla vizzavonae Léger and Duboscq, 1903) [III].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Evisa, falls of Aitone, Pinus laricio wood, 900 m: 13.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♂ 49 lp, 1 ♀ 51 lp, 1 ♀ imm. 47 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Col de Vergiu, eastern slope, 1150 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 2 ♀♀ 51, 53 lp, 3 ♂♂ imm. 49 lp, 2 ♀♀ imm. 51 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [III].Corte, Col de Vizzavona, Fagus sylvatica wood, 1160–1480 m, (code 74-13): 1.X.1974, KT, 2 ♀♀ 51 lp MZ det. (NHMW); ibidem: 1.X.1974, KT, 2 ♂♂ 49 lp, 6 ♀♀ 51 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [III]. Corte, Col de Vizzavona, approx 1100 m, (code 74-17): 30.X.1974, KT, 5 ♂♂ 49 lp, 2 ♀♀ 51, 53 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [III]. Corte, Restonica Valley, Pinus laricio wood, 950–1000 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 2 ♂♂ 47, 49 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Corte, Restonica Valley, Pinus laricio wood, 1080 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 5 exx MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Mount Renoso, 2300 m: [no date], PB, 1 ♀ 53 lp, 2 ♀♀ 49 lp, 1 ♂ 47 lp EI det. (MNHN) [V]. Vizzavona, Fagus sylvatica wood, 1600 m: 2.IV.1991, RA, 1 ♀ 51 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [III].
Corsica (
Corsican endemic; uncertain affinities.
900–2300 m; probably a mesophilous species, recorded from the Supramediterranean, Montane and Alpine belts, in Fagus sylvatica woods (2 sites), Pinus laricio woods (2 sites) and montane hygrophilous meadows (1 site). See also
http://species-id.net/wiki/Eurygeophilus_pinguis
General. Corsica (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Vizzavona (1, 4, 8) [III].
Europe: Austria, France (Pyrenees, Corsica), Great Britain, Italy (Alps), Spain (Pyrenees, Cantabrians Mts), Slovenia (
European.
No records; in northern Italy populations mostly inhabit submontane and montane woodlands, as the species has been recorded from 750 to 1650 m, in mixed broadleaved woodlands, in beechwoods and in Larix decidua and Pinus cembra woodlands (
Only known from a female 17 mm long with 45 leg pairs from Vizzavona (
http://species-id.net/wiki/Geophilus_carpophagus
General. Sardinia-Corsica (7). Corsica (2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Piana (3) [II]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Corte, Lac de Melo, 1711 m, hygrophilous meadow around the lake (10) [IV]. Vizzavona (1, 6) [III].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ajaccio, Sagone/Vico, above Col de Sevi, 1500 m, (code 74-5): 27.IX.1974, KT, 1 ♂ 55 lp, body length 30 mm, 2 ♀♀ 57 lp, body length 39, 42 mm, 2 imm. 57 lp MZ det. (NHMW) [III]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Asco River valley, 1000 m: 6.VIII.1997, MZ, 1 ♂ 59 lp, body length 44 mm, 1 ♀ 59 lp, body length 47 mm, MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Col de Vergiu, eastern slope, 1150 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 3 ♂♂ all 55 lp, body length 43, 44, 47 mm, MZ det. (CMZ) [III]. Corte, Col de Vizzavona, Fagus sylvatica wood, 1160–1480 m(code 74-13): 1.X.1974, KT, 2 ♀♀ 55, 57 lp, body length 36, 43 mm, MZ det. (NHMW) [III]. Corte, Col de Vizzavona, approx 1100 m, (code 74-17): 3.X.1974, KT, 1 ♂ 53 lp, body length 31 mm, MZ det. (NHMW) [III]. Corte, Restonica Valley, Pinus laricio wood, 950–1000 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♀ 59 lp, body length 48 mm, MZ det. (CMZ) [II]. Vizzavona, Fagus sylvatica wood, 1600 m: 21.IV.1991, RA, 1 ex MZ det. (CMZ) [III].
950–1711 m; recorded from Supramediterranean to Alpine belts, in Fagus sylvatica woods (2 sites), in Pinus laricio woods (1 site) and montane hygrophilous meadows (1 site). See
According to recent studies (see
The main characters of adult specimens examined here (6 ♂♂, 6 ♀♀), apparently belonging to the same taxon, are summarised as follows according to
http://species-id.net/wiki/Geophilus_gavoyi
General. Corsica (3). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Evisa, 825 m (1, 2, loc. typ. of Geophilus evisensis Verhoeff, 1943) [II].
Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Col de Vergiu, eastern slope, 1150 m: 15.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ex 12 mm long with 41 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [III].
Europe: France (Pyrenees, Corsica, Brittany, Centre, Auvergne and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur regions) (
W-European.
825–1150 m; recorded from two localities in the Supramediterranean and Montane belts; habitat preferences unknown, one record from a garden.
Synonymy according to
http://species-id.net/wiki/Geophilus_joyeuxi
General. Corsica (2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Francardo, 265 m (6, loc. typ. of Geophilus fossularum Verhoeff, 1943) [I]. Vizzavona (1, 5, loc. typ. of Geophilus electricus Joyeuxi Léger and Duboscq, 1903) [III].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Evisa, falls of Aitone, Pinus laricio wood, 900 m: 13.IV.2004, MZ, 2 exx 49, 51 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [II].
Europe: France (Pyrénées-Orientales, Alpes Maritimes, Corsica).
W-Mediterranean.
265–900 m; recorded from Mesomediterranean to Montane belts, a single record from Pinus laricio wood in the Supramediterranean belt.
Geophilus fossularum is a junior synonym of Geophilus joyeuxi according to
http://species-id.net/wiki/Geophilus_litorivagus
General. Corsica (3, 4). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Marine de Sisco, “3/4-1 m vom Meer entfernt” (1, 2, loc. typ. of Geophilus litorivagus Verhoeff, 1943) [I].
Corsica (
Corsican endemic (?).
The only record comes from sea level.
Morphologically close to Geophilus joyeuxi, the two species might be conspecific.
http://species-id.net/wiki/Pachymerium_ferrugineum
General. Sardinia-Corsica (3). Corsica (2, 4, 5). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ajaccio (1) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Bastia (1) [I]. Giraglia Is. (4) [I].
Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Cap Corse, Barcaggio, near sea level: under stranded Posidonia, 10.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♂ 53 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [I].
Europe: Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark (mainland), European Russia, Finland, France (mainland, Corsica), Great Britain, Greece (mainland, insular including Crete), Hungary, Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Latvia, Republic of Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal (mainland, Azores, Madeira), Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain (mainland, Balearic Is., Canary Is.), Sweden, The Netherlands; North Africa: Algeria, Central Sahara, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia; West Asia: Caucasus, Iran, Palestine, Turkey, Uzbekistan; East Asia: Pribilof Is. (Russia), Japan (introduced); North America: Alaska, introduced elsewhere; Central America: Mexico (introduced); South America: Chile (Juán Fernández Is., introduced; Easter Is., introduced); Pacific islands: Hawaii (introduced).
W-Palaearctic.
A single record from sea level, under stranded Posidonia oceanica; euryecious species (
General. Sardinia-Corsica (5). Corsica (2, 3, 4, 6, 8). Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Ruisseau de Lonca (7) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Bastia (1) [I]. Cap Corse (1) [I]. Corte (1) [I].
Epigeic. Corse-du-Sud, 2A - Porto, between Col de la Croix and Plage de Tuara, low maquis, 200–250 m: 14.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♀ 25 mm long 71 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [I]. Haute-Corse, 2B - Cap Corse, Col St. Lucia, Tour de Seneca, Quercus ilex wood, 450 m: 11.IV.2004, MZ, 1 ♂ 15 mm long 63 lp, 1 ♀19 mm long 67 lp MZ det. (CMZ) [I].
Stenotaenia sorrentina is distributed in Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), France (Corsica?); records from other regions (mainly in the Balkans) need to be reassessed (
200–450 m; recorded only from localities in the Mesomediterranean belt, in Quercus ilex wood (1 site) and maquis (1 site).
http://species-id.net/wiki/Tuoba_poseidonis
General. Sardinia-Corsica (3). Corsica (4, 5). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Marine de Sisco (1, 2, loc. typ. of Geophilus (Nesogeophilus) poseidonis siscensis Verhoeff, 1943) [I].
Europe: Finland, France (mainland, Corsica), Greece (mainland, insular), Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Slovenia; North Africa: Egypt (Red Sea); West Asia: Jordan (Dead Sea); Tropical Africa: Somalia.
Mediterranean.
Sea level; all records have been collected along the sea coast under stranded Posidonia oceanica or debris.
Geophilus (Nesogeophilus) poseidonis siscensis is a junior synonym of Tuoba poseidonis according to
The following species and records are not included in the present catalogue for the reasons discussed below.
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_forficatus
General. Sardinia-Corsica (1). Corsica (2, 3, 4).
Species widely spread in Europe, West Asia and North Africa (introduced?), introduced in North and South America, Kuriles, Hawaii and St. Helena. In mainland Italy it is mostly known from disturbed habitats such as reafforestations, cultivated areas and urban areas; also present in open habitats, occasionally in woodlands; from sea level to 2200 m (
http://species-id.net/wiki/Lithobius_tenebrosus
General. Corsica (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). Epigeic. Haute-Corse, 2B - Bastia [I] (1). Cap Corse [I] (1).
European species recorded in Scandinavia as well as in central and south-eastern countries; in Central Europe it shows a clear preference towards wet and humid habitats with high vegetation cover (
http://species-id.net/wiki/Schendyla_nemorensis
General. Corsica (1).
European species also recorded in North Africa (Maghreb), introduced to North America. Schendyla nemorensis is also present in Sardinia, where epigeic populations are mostly related to thermophilous oakwoods(Quercus spp.) as well as to Mediterranean open and shrub habitats, from sea level to 1800 m; occasionally in caves (
http://species-id.net/wiki/Geophilus_alpinus
General. Sardinia-Corsica (1). Corsica (2, 3).
European species also recorded in North Africa (Maghreb). Geophilus alpinus is present in Sardinia, where epigeic populations are known from Quercus ilex woods, Mediterraneanshrubs and maquis, from sea level to 1000 m; sometimes in caves (
Geophilus insculptus has been recently considered identical to Geophilus alpinus, and Geophilus alpinus has been explicitly adopted as the valid name for this species (
http://species-id.net/wiki/Geophilus_osquidatum
General. Corsica (1).
European species, known from Czech Republic, France, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Italy (mainland, Sicily, Sardinia), Spain (mainland); Sardinian populations have been recorded in thermophilous Quercus spp.woods, in Mediterraneanshrubs as well as in maquis, from sea level to 1000 m and occasionally in caves (
The inclusion in the list of Corsican centipedes of Lithobius audax Meinert, 1872, Lithobius flavus Meinert, 1872, both junior synonyms of Lithobius castaneus (see
Our knowledge on the centipede fauna of Corsica is far from being complete. Some species need to be confirmed and a number of taxonomic problems are still to be resolved. This study however fills some gaps in previous faunistic and ecological knowledge as it reviews all the bibliographic data, consisting of about 125 records from 64 sites (18 from Corse-du-Sud, 46 from Haute-Corse), and new material, some 270 specimens from about 50 sites (23 from Corse-du-Sud, 25 from Haute-Corse) is reported.
Descriptive notes on the composition of the fauna, its zoogeography, general ecology and species assemblages are provided here.
Faunistic aspects and zoogeographyThirty-three centipede species have been recorded in Corsica in total (1 Scutigeromorpha, 11 Lithobiomorpha, 4 Scolopendromorpha, 17 Geophilomorpha); the occurrence of two further species (Cryptops anomalans and Henia montana) is doubtful. This figure represents almost a quarter of the whole centipede fauna of France (141 taxa plus 7 taxa of uncertain identity:
Centipedes of Corsica and Sardinia: checklist of the species and chorotypes. Symbols: + = recorded, - = not recorded. Chorotypes abbreviations: CAE = Centralasiatic-European; CAM = Centralasiatic-Mediterranean; CEU = Centraleuropean; EUR = European; MED = Mediterranean; SEU = S-European; SIE = Sibero-European; WEU = W-European; WME = W-Mediterranean; WPA = W-Palearctic; x = chorotype not assigned: Cryptops anomalans, Henia montana, uncertain presence, Geophilus carpophagus s.l., Stenotaenia sp. cf. sorrentina uncertain identity; Lamyctes emarginatus, Eupolybothrus fasciatus, Lithobius forficatus, Stenotaenia romana probably introduced (i). Endemic elements (E): CORS = Corsican endemic; ITAL = Italian endemic; SARD = Sardinian endemic; TYRR = Tyrrhenian endemic. ? = uncertain presence. Species whose presence in the islands is doubtful are excluded from the totals (see text).
| Corsica | Sardinia | Chorotype | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SCUTIGEROMORPHA | |||
| 1. Scutigera coleoptrata (Linnaeus, 1758) | + | + | CAM |
| LITHOBIOMORPHA | |||
| 2. Lamyctes emarginatus (Newport, 1844) | - | i | x |
| 3. Eupolybothrus (Eupolybothrus) fasciatus (Newport, 1845) | - | i | x |
| 4. Eupolybothrus (Allopolybothrus) nudicornis (Gervais, 1837) | + | + | WME |
| 5. Lithobius (Lithobius) aidonensis Verhoeff, 1943 | E | - | CORS-WME |
| 6. Lithobius (Lithobius) aligherus Manfredi, 1953 | - | E | SARD-WME |
| 7. Lithobius (Lithobius) blanchardi Léger & Duboscq, 1903 | + | - | WME |
| 8. Lithobius (Lithobius) brandensis Verhoeff, 1943 | E | - | CORS |
| 9. Lithobius (Lithobius) castaneus Newport, 1844 | + | + | SEU |
| 10. Lithobius (Lithobius) cherpinedensis Iorio, 2010 | E | - | CORS-WEU |
| 11. Lithobius (Lithobius) doderoi Silvestri, 1908 | - | E | SARD-WME |
| 12. Lithobius (Lithobius) forficatus (Linnaeus, 1758) | - | i | x |
| 13. Lithobius (Lithobius) inermis L. Koch, 1856 | - | + | WME |
| 14. Lithobius (Lithobius) lapidicola Meinert, 1872 | + | + | CEU |
| 15. Lithobius (Lithobius) molophai Restivo De Miranda, 1978 | - | E | SARD-WME |
| 16. Lithobius (Lithobius) nodulipes Latzel, 1880 | + | - | CEU |
| 17. Lithobius (Lithobius) nuragicus Zapparoli, 1997 | - | E | SARD-WME |
| 18. Lithobius (Lithobius) pilicornis Newport, 1844 | + | + | WEU |
| 19. Lithobius (Lithobius) raffaldii Iorio, 2009 | E | - | CORS-WEU |
| 20. Lithobius (Lithobius) sardous Silvestri, 1898 | - | E | SARD-WME |
| 21. Lithobius (Lithobius) sardus Manfredi, 1956 | - | E | SARD-WME |
| 22. Lithobius (Lithobius) sbordonii Matic, 1967 | - | E | SARD-SEU |
| 23. Lithobius (Lithobius) turritanus Fanzago, 1881 | - | E | SARD-WME |
| 24. Lithobius (Sigibius) micropodus Matic, 1980 | - | + | SEU |
| 25. Lithobius (Sigibius) microps Meinert, 1868 | - | + | EUR |
| 26. Lithobius (Sigibius) remyi Verhoeff, 1943 | E | - | CORS-? |
| 27. Lithobius (Monotarsobius) crassipes L. Koch, 1862 | - | + | SIE |
| SCOLOPENDROMORPHA | |||
| 28. Cryptops (Cryptops) anomalans Newport, 1844 | ? | - | x |
| 29. Cryptops (Cryptops) hortensis (Donovan, 1810) | + | + | CAE |
| 30. Cryptops (Cryptops) punicus (Silvestri, 1896) | - | + | WME |
| 31. Cryptops (Cryptops) trisulcatus Brölemann, 1902 | + | + | MED |
| 32. Cryptops (Cryptops) sp. A | - | E | SARD-WME |
| 33. Plutonium zwierleini Cavanna, 1881 | - | + | WME |
| 34. Scolopendra oraniensis Lucas, 1846 | + | + | WME |
| GEOPHILOMORPHA | |||
| 35. Himantarium gabrielis (Linnaeus, 1767) | + | + | MED |
| 36. Stigmatogaster gracilis (Meinert, 1870) | + | + | MED |
| 37. Stigmatogaster sardoa (Verhoeff, 1901) | - | E | SARD-WME |
| 38. Stigmatogaster superba (Meinert, 1870) | - | + | WME |
| 39. Dignathodon microcephalus (Lucas, 1846) | + | + | MED |
| 40. Henia (Meinertia) bicarinata (Meinert, 1870) | + | + | MED |
| 41. Henia (Pseudochaetechelyne) brevis (Silvestri, 1896) | + | + | SEU |
| 42. Henia (Chaetechelyne) montana (Meinert, 1870) | ? | - | × |
| 43. Henia (Chaetechelyne) vesuviana (Newport, 1845) | + | + | WME |
| 44. Hydroschendyla submarina (Grube, 1872) | - | + | EUR |
| 45. Nannophilus eximius (Meinert, 1870) | - | + | MED |
| 46. Schendyla armata Brölemann, 1901 | - | + | WME |
| 47. Schendyla carniolensis (Verhoeff, 1902) | - | + | SEU |
| 48. Schendyla incubationum Verhoeff, 1943 | E | - | CORS-? |
| 49. Schendyla mediterranea Silvestri, 1897 | - | + | MED |
| 50. Schendyla montana (Attems, 1895) | - | + | SEU |
| 51. Schendyla nemorensis (C. L. Koch, 1837) | - | + | EUR |
| 52. Schendyla vizzavonae Léger & Duboscq, 1903 | E | - | CORS |
| 53. Eurygeophilus multistiliger (Verhoeff, 1899) | - | + | WME |
| 54. Eurygeophilus pinguis (Brölemann, 1898) | + | - | EUR |
| 55. Geophilus alpinus Meinert, 1870 | - | + | EUR |
| 56. Geophilus carpophagus Leach, 1815 s.l. | + | + | × |
| 57. Geophilus fucorum Brölemann, 1909 | - | + | WME |
| 58. Geophilus gavoyi Chalande, 1910 | + | - | WEU |
| 59. Geophilus joyeuxi Léger & Duboscq, 1903 | E | - | WME |
| 60. Geophilus litorivagus Verhoeff, 1943 | E (?) | - | CORS-? |
| 61. Geophilus minimus Verhoeff, 1928 | - | + | TYRR-SEU |
| 62. Geophilus osquidatum Brölemann, 1909 | - | + | SEU |
| 63. Geophilus piae Minelli, 1983 | - | + | TYRR-SEU |
| 64. Geophilus punicus Silvestri, 1896 | - | + | WME |
| 65. Geophilus richardi (Brölemann, 1904) | - | + | MED |
| 66. Pachymerium ferrugineum (C. L. Koch, 1835) | + | + | WPA |
| 67. Stenotaenia romana (Silvestri, 1895) | - | i | × |
| 68. Stenotaenia sorrentina (Attems, 1903) | - | + | ITAL-SEU |
| 69. Stenotaenia sp. cf. sorrentina (Attems, 1903) | + | - | × |
| 70. Tuoba poseidonis (Verhoeff, 1901) | + | + | MED |
| 71. Geophilidae sp. n. | - | E | SARD-WME |
| Total (71 species) | 31 | 55 |
The highest number of species has been recorded in Haute-Corse administrative province, 31 species, whereas 21 species have been recorded in Corse-du-Sud (Table 3). The apparent difference in the species diversity of the two regions, almost equivalent in size, in the general composition of the vegetation belts and in exploitation by human activities, is probably due to lack of research or uneven sampling effort rather than to ecological factors. However, microclimate, habitat diversity, main aspect, should also play a role in the assessment of the species diversity of these two areas (see also below).
The centipede fauna of Corsica is about 56% poorer in comparison with Sardinia according to present knowledge (
At least 71 species are present in the whole of the Sardinia-Corsica geographic complex but only 17 species (nearly 25%) have been recorded on both islands. According to the chorotype classification scheme used here (
Only three species (Lithobius nodulipes, Eurygeophilus pinguis, Geophilus gavoyi), all showing an European s.l. distribution pattern, and one uncertainly identified species belonging to Stenotaenia (Stenotaenia sp. cf. sorrentina) have been recorded in Corsica but not in Sardinia, which is about 5.6% of the Sardinia-Corsican centipede fauna.
Twenty-three species present in Sardinia (32.4% of the whole centipede fauna of the Sardinia-Corsica geographic complex) have not been recorded in Corsica, ignoring introduced species and Sardinian endemics. Among this group, 13 species (56.5%) show a Mediterranean s.l. distribution pattern (Lithobius inermis, Cryptops punicus, Plutonium zwierleini, Stigmatogaster superba, Nannophilus eximius, Schendyla armata, Schendyla mediterranea, Eurygeophilus multistiliger, Geophilus fucorum, Geophilus punicus, Geophilus richardi, including the Tyrrhenian endemics of supposed W-Mediterranean affinities, Geophilus minimus and Geophilus piae), 9 species (39%) show an European s.l. distribution pattern (Lithobius micropodus, Lithobius microps, Hydroschendyla submarina, Schendyla carniolensis, Schendyla montana, Schendyla nemorensis, Geophilus alpinus, Geophilus osquidatum and the Italian endemic with supposed European affinities Stenotaenia sorrentina), and one species (4.5%) whose distribution pattern is Holoarctic (Lithobius crassipes).
A comparative chorological spectrum of the centipede fauna of Corsica and Sardinia is given in Table 2; Cryptops anomalans, Henia montana, Geophilus carpophagus s.l., Stenotaenia sp. cf. sorrentina are not included because of their doubtful presence in Corsica and/or identity; being probably introduced in Sardinia Lamyctes emarginatus, Eupolybothrus fasciatus, Lithobius forficatus, Stenotaenia romana are also excluded (cf.
Centipedes of Corsica and Sardinia: comparative chorological spectrum. N = number of species. Species whose presence in the two islands is doubtful are excluded from the analysis (see text).
| Class of chorotypes and endemic elements | Chorotypes | Corsica | Sardinia | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N | % | N | % | ||
| Species widely distributed in the Holarctic Region | |||||
| W-Palaearctic | 1 | 3.4 | 1 | 2.0 | |
| Sibero-European | - | - | 1 | 2.0 | |
| Centralasiatic-European | 1 | 3.4 | 1 | 2.0 | |
| Centralasiatic-Mediterranean | 1 | 3.4 | 1 | 2.0 | |
| Total | 3 | 310. | 4 | 08. | |
| Species widely distributed in Europe | |||||
| European | 1 | 3.4 | 4 | 8.0 | |
| Centraleuropean | 2 | 6.9 | 1 | 2.0 | |
| S-European | 2 | 6.9 | 6 | 12.0 | |
| W-European | 2 | 6.9 | 1 | 2.0 | |
| Total | 7 | 124. | 12 | 024. | |
| Species widely distributed in the Mediterranean area | |||||
| Mediterranean | 6 | 20.7 | 9 | 18.0 | |
| W-Mediterranean | 5 | 17.2 | 11 | 22.0 | |
| Total | 11 | 937. | 20 | 040. | |
| Endemic elements | |||||
| Italian | - | - | 1 | 2.0 | |
| Tyrrhenian | - | - | 2 | 4.0 | |
| Sardinian | - | - | 11 | 22.0 | |
| Corsican | 8 | 27.6 | - | - | |
| Total | 8 | 627. | 14 | 028. | |
| Total | 29 | 100 | 50 | 100 | |
Analysis of the main chorotypes of Corsican centipedes shows a high percentage of species with Mediteranean s.l. distribution pattern (about 38%, 11 species; Mediterranean s.str. chorotype, 20.7%, 6 species: Cryptops trisulcatus, Himantarium gabrielis, Stigmatogaster gracilis, Dignathodon microcephalus, Henia bicarinata, Tuoba poseidonis; W-Mediterranean, 17.2%, 5 species: Eupolybothrus nudicornis, Lithobius blanchardi, Scolopendra oraniensis, Henia vesuviana, Geophilus joyeuxi).
The percentage of species with European s.l. pattern of distribution is lower (about 24%, 7 species; European s.str., 3.4%, 1 species: Eurygeophilus pinguis; Central European, 6.9%, 2 species: Lithobius lapidicola, Lithobius nodulipes; S-European, 6.9%, 2 species: Lithobius castaneus, Henia brevis; W-European, 6.2%, 2 species: Lithobius pilicornis, Geophilus gavoyi).
The percentage of species with a Holoarctic distribution pattern is very low (about 10%, 3 species; Centralasiatic-Mediterranean, 3.4%, 1 species: Scutigera coleoptrata; Centralasiatic-European, 3.4%, 1 species: Cryptops hortensis;W-Palaearctic, 3.4%, 1 species: Pachymerium ferrugineum).
Eight species are endemic to Corsica (Lithobius aidonensis, Lithobius brandensis, Lithobius cherpinedensis, Lithobius raffaldii, Lithobius remyi, Schendyla incubationum, Schendyla vizzavonae, Geophilus litorivagus). Their affinities are still poorly known. For Lithobius cherpinedensis, relationships with the western European cave Lithobius species, chiefly Lithobius (Lithobius) anophtalmus Matic, 1957 from northern Spain (Guipúzcoa and Vizcaya provinces), has been supposed (
No Sardinia-Corsican endemics are known to date, although Lithobius aidonensis seems to belong to the same group of species as the Sardinian endemic Lithobius turritanus (
In comparison with Sardinia, the zoogeographic spectrum of the centipede fauna of Corsica is essentially the same. The Mediterranean main chorotype class prevails in both islands. This component takes up nearly a third of the centipede fauna in each island. It is lower in Corsica than in Sardinia. Only Mediterranean s.str. and W-Mediterranean chorotypes are represented among this pattern of distribution; the former dominates in Corsica, the second in Sardinia.
European s.l. chorotype (including European s.str., Centraleuropean, S-European, W-European chorotypes) is largely represented too, both in Corsica and in Sardinia. The species related to this pattern of distribution are nearly a quarter of the centipede fauna in both islands. The European component has however lower importance and is less heterogeneous in Corsica (7 species) than in Sardinia (12 species), where the S-European chorotype is the most conspicuous (more than 10%).
The Holoarctic component (including W-Palaearctic, Sibero-European, Centralasiatic-European, Centralasiatic-Mediterranean) forms an insignificant share of the Sardinian and Corsican centipede faunas where it does not exceed 10%.
The number of endemics is approximately the same in the two islands, 8 and 11 in Corsica and Sardinia respectively.
Habitat preferencesFew and scattered records are available for the ecology and habitat preferences of the Corsican centipedes and for some species (e.g., Lithobius remyi, Geophilus gavoyi) they are virtually absent. Tables 3 and 4 summarise all available records in a concise form. There the species and chorotypes are listed according to their distribution in the Corsican vegetation belts (see
The centipede fauna of Corsica: list of the species according to administrative regions and vegetation belts (cf.
| Corse-du-Sud, 2A | Haute-Corse, 2B | Vegetation belts | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I. Mesomediterranean (including Thermo-mediterranean) N: 0–700 m S: 0–1000 m | II. Supramediterranean N: 700–1000 m S: 1000–1300 m | III. Montane N: 1000–1600 m S: 1300–1800 m | IV. Subalpine and Oromediterranean N: 1600–2100 m S: 1800–2200 m | V. Alpine N: 2100–2700 m S: 2200–2700 m | |||
| Scutigeromorpha | |||||||
| 1. Scutigera coleoptrata (Linnaeus, 1758) | - | + | [1+1*]/1 | - | - | - | - |
| Lithobiomorpha | |||||||
| 2. Eupolybothrus (Allopolybothrus) nudicornis (Gervais, 1837) | + | + | [7]/5 | [1+1*]/5 | [2]/2 | [2]/- | - |
| 3. Lithobius (Lithobius) aidonensis Verhoeff, 1943 | + | + | [1+2*]/- | [3+1*]/1 | - | - | - |
| 4. Lithobius (Lithobius) blanchardi Léger & Duboscq, 1903 | + | + | [5+5*]/2+2* | [1]/6 | [1]/- | [1]/1 | - |
| 5. Lithobius (Lithobius) brandensis Verhoeff, 1943 | - | + | [2*]/- | [1*]/- | - | - | - |
| 6. Lithobius (Lithobius) castaneus Newport, 1844 | + | + | [2+1*]/- | [2]/5 | [3]/3 | [-]/1 | - |
| 7. Lithobius (Lithobius) cherpinedensis Iorio, 2010 | - | + | - | [1*]/- | - | - | - |
| 8. Lithobius (Lithobius) lapidicola Meinert, 1872 | + | + | [2+3*]/2 | [1]/4 | [2]/1 | [2]/- | [-]/1 |
| 9. Lithobius (Lithobius) nodulipes Latzel, 1880 | - | + | [3]/- | - | - | - | - |
| 10. Lithobius (Lithobius) pilicornis Newport, 1844 | + | + | [1?]/- | [2]/3 | [4]/2 | - | - |
| 11. Lithobius (Lithobius) raffaldii Iorio, 2009 | - | + | [2*/-] | - | - | - | - |
| 12. Lithobius (Sigibius) remyi Verhoeff, 1943 | - | + | [1]/- | - | - | - | - |
| Scolopendromorpha | |||||||
| 13. Cryptops (Cryptops) anomalans Newport, 1844 (?) | - | ? | [1]/- | - | [1]/- | - | - |
| 14. Cryptops (Cryptops) hortensis (Donovan, 1810) | - | + | [1]/2 | - | - | - | - |
| 15. Cryptops (Cryptops) trisulcatus Brölemann, 1902 | + | + | [2]/5 | [-]/2 | - | - | - |
| 16. Scolopendra oraniensis Lucas, 1846 | + | + | [5]/2 | [1]/- | - | - | - |
| Geophilomorpha | |||||||
| 17. Himantarium gabrielis (Linnaeus, 1767) | + | + | [2]/- | - | - | - | - |
| 18. Stigmatogaster gracilis (Meinert, 1870) | + | + | [4]/9 | - | [2]/- | - | - |
| 19. Dignathodon microcephalus (Lucas, 1846) | + | + | [5]/2 | - | - | - | - |
| 20. Henia (Meinertia) bicarinata (Meinert, 1870) | + | + | [1]/1 | - | [1]/- | - | - |
| 21. Henia (Pseudochaetechelyne) brevis (Silvestri, 1896) | + | + | [-]/1 | - | [-]/1 | - | - |
| 22. Henia (Chaetechelyne) montana (Meinert, 1870) (?) | - | ? | - | - | [1]/- | - | - |
| 23. Henia (Chaetechelyne) vesuviana (Newport, 1845) | + | + | [5]/5 | [1]/1 | [2]/1 | - | - |
| 24. Schendyla incubationum Verhoeff, 1943 | + | + | [-]/2 | [-]/1 | [1]/1 | - | - |
| 25. Schendyla vizzavonae Léger & Duboscq, 1903 | + | + | - | [1]/3 | [4]/5 | - | [-]/1 |
| 26. Eurygeophilus pinguis (Brölemann, 1898) | - | + | - | - | [1]/- | - | - |
| 27. Geophilus carpophagus Leach, 1815 s.l. | + | + | - | [1]/2 | [1]/5 | [1]/- | - |
| 28. Geophilus gavoyi Chalande, 1910 | + | + | - | [1]/- | [-]/1 | - | - |
| 29. Geophilus joyeuxi Léger & Duboscq, 1903 | + | + | [1]/- | [-]/1 | [1]/- | - | - |
| 30. Geophilus litorivagus Verhoeff, 1943 | - | + | [1]/- | - | - | - | - |
| 31. Pachymerium ferrugineum (C. L. Koch, 1835) | + | + | [3]/1 | - | - | - | - |
| 32. Stenotaenia sp. cf. sorrentina (Attems, 1903) | + | + | [4]/2 | - | - | - | - |
| 33. Tuoba poseidonis (Verhoeff, 1901) | - | + | [1]/- | - | - | - | - |
| Total n. of species | 21 | 31 | 25 | 16 | 15 | 5 | 2 |
The centipede fauna of Corsica: chorological spectrum according to vegetation belts (uncertain records are not included, see text); N = number of species; see Table 3 for vegetation belts key.
| Class of chorotypes and endemic elements (N–%) | Chorotypes (N–%) | Vegetation belts | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | II | III | IV | V | |||||||
| n | % | n | % | n | % | n | % | n | % | ||
| Chorotypes of species widely distributed in the Holarctic Region (3–10.3%) | |||||||||||
| Centralasiatic-European (1–3.4%) | 1 | 4.2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Centralasiatic-Mediterranean (1–3.4%) | 1 | 4.2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| W-Palaearctic (1–3.4%) | 1 | 4.2 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Total | 3 | 12.6 | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | - | |
| Chorotypes of species widely distributed in Europe (7–24.1%) | |||||||||||
| European (1–3.4%) | - | - | - | - | 1 | 7.1 | - | - | - | - | |
| Centraleuropean (2–6.9%) | 2 | 8.3 | 1 | 6.7 | 1 | 7.1 | 1 | 25.0 | 1 | 50.0 | |
| S-European (2–6.9%) | 2 | 8.3 | 1 | 6.7 | 2 | 14.3 | 1 | 25.0 | - | - | |
| W-European (2–6.9%) | - | - | 1 | 6.7 | 2 | 14.3 | - | - | - | - | |
| Total | 4 | 16.6 | 4 | 20.0 | 7 | 42.8 | 3 | 50.0 | 1 | 50.0 | |
| Chorotypes of species widely distributed in the Mediterranean area (11–37.9%) | |||||||||||
| Mediterranean (6–20.7%) | 6 | 25.0 | 1 | 6.7 | 2 | 14.3 | - | - | - | - | |
| W-Mediterranean (5–17.2%) | 5 | 20.8 | 6 | 40.0 | 4 | 28.6 | 1 | 25.0 | - | - | |
| Total | 11 | 45.8 | 7 | 46.7 | 6 | 42.8 | 1 | 25.0 | - | - | |
| Endemic elements (8–27.6%) | |||||||||||
| Corsican (8–27.6%) | 6 | 25.0 | 5 | 33.3 | 2 | 14.3 | 1 | 25.0 | 1 | 50.0 | |
| Total (29–100%) | 24 | 100 | 15 | 100 | 14 | 100 | 4 | 100 | 2 | 100 | |
The number of species decreases from the lower Mediterranean belts - i.e., Mesomediterranean (including Thermomediterranean) and Supramediterranean belts - with 25 and 16 species respectively, towards the Montane, Sub-alpine and Alpine belts, with 15, 5 and 2 species respectively. This result could be considered as representative for the altitudinal preferences of the species but it is influenced also by uneven sampling effort which is probably greatest in the most accessible sites of the lower belts compared with those at a greater elevation.
Species with Mediterranean s.l. distribution pattern occur in the Mesomediterranean (including Thermomediterranean) (45.8%), Supramediterranean (46.7%) and Montane belts (42.8%), rarely they reach up to Oromediterranean belt, where only Eupolybothrus nudicornis is so far known. Species with European s.l. distribution pattern have been recorded in the Montane, Oromediterranean and Alpine belts (42.8–50.0%). Species with a Holoarctic distribution pattern have been recorded only in the Mesomediterranean (including Thermomediterranean) belt.
About one third of the centipede fauna of Corsica is represented by species showing preferences for and living in forest habitats. Depending on temperature preferences they may be further subdivided in three groups: i) species mostly related to thermophilous woodlands (e.g., Lithobius aidonensis, Lithobius blanchardi, Henia vesuviana, Stenotaenia sp. cf. sorrentina); ii) species mostly related to mesophilous woodlands (e.g., Lithobius pilicornis, Schendyla vizzavonae, Eurygeophilus pinguis); iii) species related to a wider range of forest types, both mesophilous and thermophilous (e.g., Lithobius castaneus, Cryptops hortensis, Henia brevis, Geophilus joyeuxi), to this group probably also belong the species identified here as Geophilus carpophagus s.l. The relative number of species inhabiting open or semi-open thermophilous Mediterranean habitats, such as garrigues and low maquis is lower (e.g., Scutigera coleoptrata, Cryptops trisulcatus, Scolopendra oraniensis, Dignathodon microcephalus), some of these are also recorded in thermophilous woodland habitats. Eupolybothrus nudicornis, Lithobius lapidicola, Himantarium gabrielis, Stigmatogaster gracilis, Pachymerium ferrugineum seem to be able to exploit a wider range of environmental conditions, colonizing both forest and open habitats.
Nine species are known from caves and two of them seem exclusive to the subterranean environment (Lithobius raffaldii, eutroglophilic; Lithobius cherpinedensis, troglobitic). To the latter group may also be added Lithobius brandensis, although its morphology is still poorly known.
The geophilomorphs Pachymerium ferrugineum and Tuoba poseidonis have been recorded from the sea shore (e.g., under stranded Posidonia), the latter exclusively.
A synthesis of our present knowledge of the qualitative composition of the centipede assemblages in epigeic habitats of Corsica is presented below. The analysis is based on selected data recorded directly by the authors or other collectors from 1974 to 2004 (see the list above); five habitats and 11 sites are taken into consideration in all. This set of data should be seen as a preliminary basis for a more detailed analysis. Habitats are listed according to elevation. The number of sites and the total number of species recorded is given for each habitat; the number and list of species for each site are also given.
Low maquis habitats (2 sites, 5 species):
Haute-Corse, Macinaggio, Route du Douanier, 30 m: 4 species, Scutigera coleoptrata, Eupolybothrus nudicornis, Cryptops trisulcatus, Scolopendra oraniensis.
Corse-du-Sud, Porto, between Col de la Croix and Plage de Tuara, 200–250 m: 3 species, Eupolybothrus nudicornis, Lithobius lapidicola, Cryptops trisulcatus.
Quercus ilex woods (1 site, 6 species):
Haute-Corse, Cap Corse, Col St. Lucia, Tour de Seneca, 450 m: 6 species, Eupolybothrus nudicornis, Lithobius lapidicola, Cryptops hortensis, Cryptops trisulcatus, Henia vesuviana, Stenotaenia sp. cf. sorrentina.
Pinus larico woods (3 sites, 8 species):
Corse-du-Sud, Evisa, falls of Aitone, 900 m: 5 species, Eupolybothrus nudicornis, Lithobius castaneus, Lithobius lapidicola, Schendyla vizzavonae, Geophilus joyeuxi.
Haute-Corse, Corte, Restonica Valley, 950–1000 m: 4 species, Lithobius castaneus, Henia vesuviana, Schendyla vizzavonae, Geophilus carpophagus s.l.
Haute-Corse, Corte, Restonica Valley, 1080 m: 4 species, Eupolybothrus nudicornis, Lithobius blanchardi, Lithobius lapidicola, Schendyla vizzavonae.
Fagus sylvatica woods (3 sites, 7 species):
Haute-Corse, Vizzavona, 1100 m: 1 species, Lithobius pilicornis.
Haute-Corse, Corte, Col de Vizzavona, 1160–1480 m: 4 species, Henia vesuviana, Schendyla incubationum, Schendyla vizzavonae, Geophilus carpophagus s.l.
Haute-Corse, Vizzavona, 1600 m: 5 species, Eupolybothrus nudicornis, Lithobius castaneus, Lithobius pilicornis, Henia vesuviana, Schendyla incubationum.
Montane hygrophilous meadows (2 sites, 5 species):
Haute-Corse, Haute-Asco, near Mount Cinto, ca 1600 m: 4 species, Eupolybothrus nudicornis, Lithobius lapidicola, Stigmatogaster gracilis, Schendyla vizzavonae.
Haute-Corse, Corte, Lac de Melo, 1711 m, around the lake: 3 species, Eupolybothrus nudicornis, Lithobius lapidicola, Geophilus carpophagus s.l.
We are indebted to Barbara Knoflach, Institute of Ecology, University of Innsbruck, and Verena Stagl, Naturhistorisches Museum Wien, Austria, for enabling one of us (MZ) to examine the collection of the late Konrad Thaler. Also thanks to Henrik Enghoff, Natural History Museum of Denmark, University of Copenhagen, and to Jean-Jacques Geoffroy, Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle, Paris, France, for the loan of unidentified specimens from the island to MZ and EI respectively. We are also grateful to Roberto Argano, Augusto Vigna Taglianti, Department of Biology and Biotechnologies "C. Darwin", Università degli Studi di Roma "Sapienza", Italy; Jean-Michel Lemaire, Jean Raffaldi, Muséum d’Histoire naturelle, Nice, France; Valerio Sbordoni, Department of Biology, Università degli Studi di Roma "Tor Vergata", Italy; Luca Fancello, Cagliari, Italy, for providing us with material from Corsica. We would like to thank Tony Barber, Ivybridge, Devon, UK, for the suggestions and the linguistic revision of the manuscript. Pavel Stoev, National Museum of Natural History, Lyubomir Penev, Institute of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Research, Sofia, Bulgaria, and Henrik Enghoff kindly assisted the publication of this paper.