Clunio boudouresquei sp. n. and Thalassosmittia ballestai sp. n., two Tyrrhenian marine species occurring in Scandola Nature Reserve, West Corsica (Diptera: Chironomidae)

Two new marine species, Clunio boudouresquei and Thalassosmittia ballestai, have been identified within the Scandola Nature Reserve in West Corsica, part of the Tyrrhenian sub-region. These species exhibit unique biological cycles tied to lunar spring tides, transitioning between marine and terrestrial environments. Their presence is closely linked to specific coastal habitats, particularly those dominated by the red calcified alga Lithophyllum byssoides, which are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities such as pollution and sea mussel proliferation. Both species serve as critical indicators of marine ecological health and climate change, including rising sea levels, in the Tyrrhenian Region. The study describes these species based on adult and pupal stages, providing insights into their taxonomy, ecology, and biogeographical significance.

Moubayed-Breil, J., & Dominici, J.-M. (2019). Clunio boudouresquei sp. n. and Thalassosmittia ballestai sp. n., two Tyrrhenian marine species occurring in Scandola Nature Reserve, West Corsica (Diptera: Chironomidae). CHIRONOMUS Journal of Chironomidae Research, (32), 4–24. https://doi.org/10.5324/cjcr.v0i32.3078