taxonID	type	description	language	source
EF29879EAE00ED44FDE7FCA3FDCB5762.taxon	type_taxon	Type species Loimia medusa Savigny, 1822, by monotypy.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE00ED44FDE7FCA3FDCB5762.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis (after Hutchings et al. 2021) Prostomium transversed, attached to dorsal surface of upper lip; basal part thick and crested; eye spots present or absent. Peristomium limited to lips; upper lip short, button-like; lower lip mid-ventral. Lateral lobes well-developed on segments 1, 3, and sometimes 4. Three pairs of arborescent branchiae on segments 2 – 4. Notopodia on segments 4 – 20; neuropodia from 5 to pygidium. Neurochaetae shorthandled uncini, initially in single- rows, then in partially intercalated back-to-back double rows on segments 11 – 20, and then in single rows to pygidium. Uncini with pectinate crest and several minute lateral teeth. Nephridial papillae on segment 3, genital papillae on segments 6 – 8, posterior to notopodia. Pygidium smooth to papillate.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE00ED4BFD0BFA8BFC8B558E.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 04 FFF 26 A- 91 C 7 - 44 C 5 - AFD 8 - D 8 B 2 F 73 DF 057 Figs 1 – 4	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE00ED4BFD0BFA8BFC8B558E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Species of Loimia with two pairs of lateral lobes on segments 1 and 3; first pair ventrolateral, with margins contacting mid-ventrally; second pair smaller, lateral. Branchiae decreasing in size from segment 2 to 4. Ventral shields over 15 segments (2 – 17), trapezoidal from 2 to 13, rounded posteriorly; all beige (in life: margins dark red on segments 2 – 11, entirely blood red from segment 13); with transverse grooves on segments 12 – 17. Uncini with a single row of 3 – 5 (thoracic) and 4 (abdominal) teeth over main fang. Thoracic capillary notochaetae alimbate and bilimbate. Pygidium with 7 – 8 papillae in life, appearing as globular papillae when preserved.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE00ED4BFD0BFA8BFC8B558E.taxon	etymology	Etymology The specific epithet is dedicated to Hanna Dattner Feldstein, mother of the second author, in tribute to her legacy as a holocaust survivor, an exceptional mother and a brilliant scientist with endless curiosity.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE00ED4BFD0BFA8BFC8B558E.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype ISRAEL – Bat Yam Beach • complete spec.; 32.022 ° N, 34.737 ° E; 1 m depth; 12 Jun. 2023; L. Goren and T. Feldstein leg.; fixed and preserved in 96 % ethanol; SMNHTAU Vr. 25367. Paratypes ISRAEL – Akhziv • 1 spec. (in two fragments, small abdominal segment taken for tissue collection); 33.056 ° N, 35.102 ° E; 1 m depth; Jun. 2025; L. Goren leg.; fixed and preserved in ethanol 96 %; SMNHTAU Vr. 25544 • 1 spec. (complete); 1 m depth; May 2025; T. Morav leg.; fixed and preserved in ethanol 96 %; SMNHTAU Vr. 25545 • 1 spec. (complete); T. Morav leg.; SMNHTAU Vr. 25549 • 1 spec. (complete); same collection data as for preceding; SMNHTAU Vr. 25550. – Bat Yam Beach • 1 spec. (complete, bad condition); same collection data as for holotype; fixed and preserved in 85 % ethanol; SMNHTAU Vr. 25400 • 1 spec. (complete); same collection data as for holotype; fixed and preserved in 85 % ethanol; SMNHTAU Vr. 25547 • 1 spec. (poor condition); same collection data as for holotype; fixed and preserved in 96 % ethanol; SMNHTAU Vr. 25551 • 2 specs (incomplete); same collection data as for holotype; SEM mount; SMNHTAU Vr. 25552. – Gordon Beach, Tel Aviv • 1 spec.; 32.088 ° N, 34.762 ° E; 5 m depth in artificial reef monitoring structure; 8 Jun. 2022; Zirler. R leg.; fixed and preserved in 96 % ethanol; SMNHTAU Vr. 25448. LEBANON – Bar El Mubarakh Bay • 1 spec. (complete); 33.275 ° N, 35.195 ° E; 0 – 5 m depth; on artificial hard bottom; 17 Nov. 2022; fixed and preserved in ethanol 96 %; PCZL. T. LO. 2.1 • 1 spec. (incomplete, lacking posterior end); same collection data as for preceding; sample TR 4; PCZL. T. LO. 2.3 – Bar es Slaiyeb Bay • 1 spec. (complete); 33.267 ° N, 35.196 ° E; 0 – 3 m depth, on artificial hard bottom; 6 Jun. 2022; fixed and preserved in ethanol 96 %; PCZL. T. LO. 2.2.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE00ED4BFD0BFA8BFC8B558E.taxon	description	Description Holotype complete, 59 mm long (excluding buccal tentacles), 4 mm maximum width, with about 54 abdominal segments. Paratypes 42 – 128 mm long and 4 – 7 mm wide. Color in life pale, with pink tint; varying from pale beige to brown in paratypes (Fig. 1 A – B), sometimes with dark pigmentation on dorsal side of posterior abdomen (Fig. 2 D). Thorax with ill-defined dorsal segmentation, well-marked abdominally (Fig. 1 A). Tentacles long, beige with pale brown bands, with a deep, dark pigmented groove – in life: clear, with purple to brown bands and bright spots. Eyespots only present in specimens SMNHTAU Vr. 22547 and Vr. 25548. Upper lip hood-like, wider than long, pale beige, non-projecting over first pair of lateral lobes (Fig. 1 F) – in life: conical, with blunt tip, as long as wide, pale brownish, well projecting forward (Fig. 1 B). Lower lip small, hidden by first pair of lobes (Fig. 1 E – F) – in life: not covered by first pair of lobes (Fig. 1 A). First pair of lobes on segment 1, joining ventrally (Fig. 1 B – E); second pair on middle of segment 3 (Fig. 1 B – E). Three pairs of branchiae in segments 2 – 4; first pair largest, second intermediate, third smallest. Nephrididal papillae digitiform, in segment 3 posterior and dorsal to lateral lobe (Fig. 1 F, F 1). Genital papillae bulbous, in segments 6 – 8, inserted posterior to notopodia (Fig. 1 F, F 2). Ventral shield on segments 2 – 15 (Fig 1 B, D, G), those on segments 2 – 3 fused to form a single crenulated structure, trapezoidal on segments 2 – 11, round on 12 – 15; shields pale beige – in life: margins dark red on segments 2 – 10, with paler to brown center; entire blood red from segment 11 –; divided transversely in two on segments 11, in three on segments 13, and in four on segments 14 – 15. Notopodia from segments 4 – 20 short, rectangular, first pair slightly shorter. Neuropodia from segment 5 as low, almost sessile ridges until segment 20, then elongate, thin, rectangular pinnules. Notochaetae of two types: smooth short capillaries and narrowly bilimbate (Fig. 3 A – C). Thoracic uncini pectinate, arranged in single row from segments 5 – 10, then after back-to-back in double rows. Uncini with 3 – 5 denticles over main fang, anterior filament long, heel reduced, lacking dorsal button (Fig. 3 E). Abdominal uncini with four denticles over main fang, with short anterior filament, marked heel, and no dorsal button (Fig. 3 D). Pygidium with 7 – 8 papillae in life, visible as 7 – 8 pads when preserved (Fig. 4). Methylene blue staining strong on a narrow area at border of upper lip, wider on first lateral lobe – but leaving most ventral part and ventral joining area unstained – fully covering second lateral lobe, and laterally on thoracic parapodia with notopodia (leaving uncinal tori unstained), then drastically reducing abdominally (Fig. 1 D – G); nephridial papilla not stained (Fig. 1 F, F 1); genital papillae and closely surrounding areas not stained (Fig. 1 F, F 2).	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE00ED4BFD0BFA8BFC8B558E.taxon	biology_ecology	Reproduction Specimens SMNHTAU Vr. 25551 and SMNHTAU Vr. 25547 are gravid females, with oocytes measuring ~ 0.1 – 0.15 mm in diameter. Genital papillae were not observed in these specimens, although it remains unclear whether this absence reflects a true lack of these structures or results from the preservation condition of the material.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE00ED4BFD0BFA8BFC8B558E.taxon	description	Variability Number of ventral shields not size-related. Fused shields on segments 2 – 3 only, or on 2 – 3 and 4 – 5, with the number of ventral shields being 14 or 13, respectively. Specimens with more segments covered by ventral shields having trapezoidal shields reaching segment 12 – 13 and round shields on segments 13 (14) – 17. Most specimens having two transverse divisions on segments 11, three on segment 12, and four on subsequent segments, except for those having two divisions on segments 12 – 13, three on 14 – 16, and four on segment 17. In life, blood red region starting on segment 11, with only margins of more anterior shields being red. Lebanese specimens fully agree with holotype description, with slight variation in segments with ventral shields (2 – 17) and number of denticles over main fang (five in thoracic uncini and four in abdominal; Toso et al. 2024).	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE00ED4BFD0BFA8BFC8B558E.taxon	discussion	Remarks The only species of Loimia previously reported from the Mediterranean Sea is L. medusa, which differs from L. hannae sp. nov. in having 12 ventral shields (13 – 14 in L. hannae sp. nov.; Supp. file 1: Table S 1), uncini with 4 – 5 denticles (4 – 6 in L. hannae), a non-papillated pygidium (papillated in L. hannae), and lateral lobes joined mid-ventrally by a membrane (not joined in L. hannae). Four other species of Loimia are known to have the 1 st pair of lateral lobes fused to form a collar: L. batilla Hutchings & Glasby, 1988, L. crassifilis (Grube, 1878), L. borealis Wang, Sui, Kou & Li, 2020 and L. ingens (Table 2). Loimia batilla differs from L. hannae in having the 2 nd pair of lateral lobes round and covering the ventrum (not as big in L. hannae), the 1 st pair of branchiae being the biggest (decreasing from 1 to 3 in L. hannae), and 10 ventral shields (13 – 14 in L. hannae). Loimia borealis also has 10 ventral shields, its branchiae are equal in size, and apparently has only one type of notochaetae (two types in L. hannae). Loimia crassifilis differs from L. hannae in having the 2 nd pair of lateral lobes with low rounded ends and much thicker branchial stems (up to 1 mm). Moreover, these species are distributed in the Philippines (L. batilla), China (L. borealis), and Australia (L. crassifilis), hence far from the Mediterranean. Loimia hannae sp. nov. resembles L. ingens in having the first pair of the lateral lobes connected ventrally and the same number of uncinal teeth (Supp. file 1: Table S 1). However, it differs in having the second pair of lobes in the middle of segment 3 vs between segments 2 – 3 in L. ingens (Grube 1878; Hutchings & Glasby 1988; Wang et al. 2020), 13 – 14 ventral shields – as in L. ingens in Grube (1878), but 11 – 12 in L. ingens sensu Hutchings & Glasby (1988) and Wang et al. (2020), eyespots in at least two specimens (unknown in L. ingens), and branchiae decreasing in size from 1 st to 3 rd, as in L. ingens sensu Grube (1878), while only 3 rd being small in Chinese specimens or all being similarly sized in Australian specimens (Hutchings & Glasby 1988; Wang et al. 2020).	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE00ED4BFD0BFA8BFC8B558E.taxon	description	Molecular analyses The analyses based on the COI barcode supports the erection of L. hannai sp. nov. (Fig. 5), clearly distinguishing it from all other species of the genus with available sequences – which include species of the L. ingens complex, except for the type locality of that species. A similar topology was recovered for the 16 S gene (Supp. file 2: Fig. S 2). Our molecular results also support our morphological observations, as the Lebanese sequence in Toso et al. (2024) (GenBank accession number PP 808834) clustered together with the Israeli sequences of the new species. Uncorrected p-distances between L. hannae sp. nov. and its two closest relatives within the L. ingens complex were 12.6 % and 14.8 % (K 2 P distances 15.6 % and 19.2 %, respectively; Table 3). Habitat Found under rocks and on artificial hard substrates, from intertidal to 5 m depth. Its tubes are usually attached under small to medium rocks and are made of many small stones mixed with shell debris.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE00ED4BFD0BFA8BFC8B558E.taxon	distribution	Distribution Israeli and Lebanese coasts (Toso et al. 2024; this paper).	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE09ED51FD09FA2CFE1B57BB.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 7 ACE 8208 - 12 F 0 - 4439 - BADC-F 9881 DC 5 F 420 Figs 6 – 7	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE09ED51FD09FA2CFE1B57BB.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis Species of Loimia with visible dorsal pigmentation consisting on dark spots concentrated posteriorly on each segment, on thoracic notopodia, ventral pads, and pygidium – in life: more conspicuous, with white dorsal spots in abdomen. Second pair of branchiae largest. Two pairs of lateral lobes on segments 1 and 3; first pair ventrolateral, with margins contacting mid-ventrally; second pair smaller, lateral. 14 – 15 ventral shields from segment 2, fused on segments 2 – 3; brown, gradually narrowing forming an overall triangular outline; with transverse grooves on segments 11 – 16. Uncini with a single row of 4 – 5 (thoracic) and 5 – 6 (abdominal) teeth over main fang. Pygidium crenulated, with dark pigmentation nonfading when preserved.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE09ED51FD09FA2CFE1B57BB.taxon	etymology	Etymology The specific epithet honors Sarai Peled Goren, wife of the first author, in tribute to her passion for the sea, and her lifelong dedication to helping others as a clinical social worker.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE09ED51FD09FA2CFE1B57BB.taxon	materials_examined	Type material Holotype ISRAEL – Akhziv beach • complete spec.; 33.056 ° N, 35.102 ° E; 1 m depth; Jun. 2017; L. Goren and T. Feldstein leg.; fixed and preserved in 96 % ethanol; SMNHTAU Vr. 25467. Paratypes CYPRUS – Episkopi Bay • 1 spec. (complete, in four fragments); 34.647 ° N, 32.807 ° E; stn SS 22; 28.2 m depth; 2 Sep. 2024; fixed and preserved in ethanol 96 %; PCZL. T. LO. 1.1. – Larnaca Bay • 1 spec. (posterior fragment); 34.957 ° N, 33.690 ° E; stn SS 48; 32.2 m depth; 8 Aug. 2024; fixed and preserved in ethanol 96 %; PCZL. T. LO. 1.2.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE09ED51FD09FA2CFE1B57BB.taxon	description	Description Holotype complete, 90 mm long (excluding buccal tentacles), 12 mm maximum width, with about 77 abdominal segments; posterior end regenerating; body and tentacles pale beige, with dorsal dark pigmentation still visible and white spots absent (Fig. 7 D) – in life: greenish brown, with colorless buccal tentacles having pale pink spots all along their length (Fig. 7 A), second lateral lobe with dark pigmentation at dorsal basis and on ventral joining point (line shaped), dark dorsal spots, concentrating as rows on posterior region of each segment thickening posteriorly on parapodia, gradually becoming more irregular dorsally on abdominal segments; white spots concentrating along with dark ones on posterior region of each segment (Fig. 7 A, D); larger dark spots on dorsal side of thoracic notopodia; dark spots on posterior corner of each ventral pad (Fig. 7 D); pygidium with a dark circle (Fig. 7 F). Peristomium forming two lips: upper hood-like, lower small, difficult to distinguish. Branchiae thick with short basal stem, on segments 2 – 4; first and third pairs smaller than second. Lateral lobes with borders slightly damaged, on segments 1 and 3; first ones with dorsal margin inserted laterally to first pair of branchiae, clearly separated ventrally to expose small lower lip. Eyes not seen. Ventral shield dark pigmented on segments 2 – 15, with traces on segment 16; shields 1 – 2 almost joined; all shields trapezoidal, with one division in 10, two in 11 – 12, three in 13 – 15, and two entering 16. Notopodia on segments 4 – 20, with two types of notochaetae (all broken); uncini with marked hill, 4 – 5 denticles over main fang (Fig. 7 B), and dorsal button absent. Abdominal uncini with 5 – 6 denticles over main fang, very marked hill, dorsal button absent, long anterior filament, and main fang thicker than in thoracic uncini (Fig. 7 C). Pygidium crenulated, with dark pigmentation remaining after preservation (Fig. 6 H). Tube mucous aggregating small stones and shell fragments (Fig. 6 B). Methylene blue staining more or less continuous on dorsal side of each parapodia on segments 4 – 14, entirely covering dorsal part of segment 4, reducing to small line on segment 14 (Fig. 7 C, E), present on both sides of hooks, but not medially, on lateral lobes, border of upper lip, and basis of branchiae. Abdomen not stained. Variation The complete Cypriot specimen (PCZL. T. LO. 1.1) was fragmented in four parts (with 24 (76 mm), 3 (6 mm), 15 (20 mm), and 35 (14 mm) chaetigers, totaling 77 chaetigers for 116 mm), the maximum width was 9 mm, the thorax had 15 chaetigers, and the abdomen 62. An intermediate section might be missing, but the posterior end of the anterior fragment was too damaged to be sure. Posterior-most chaetigers were very short, difficult to count. Ventral shields were present at least to segment 16, with evident dark edges on segments 10 – 15. There were 15 notopodia on segments 4 – 18 (instead of 17 on segments 4 – 20 in the Israeli material), three pairs of branchiae on segments 2 – 4, and dark brown pigmentation in transverse stripes throughout the body, more evident in posterior-most segments. The incomplete posterior end of specimen (PCZL. T. LO. 1.2) measured 8 mm for 19 chaetigers plus pygidium and was overall well preserved. The pygidium showed a clearly crenulated edge, but the dark pigmentation was less developed than in the Israeli specimen, not reaching the internal anal edge. Dark spots were also evident on the dorsal side of chaetigers.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE09ED51FD09FA2CFE1B57BB.taxon	discussion	Remarks Loimia saraiae sp. nov. differs from all species of Loimia by its distinct and stable pigmentation (persisting after preserved in alcohol) and by its crenulated pygidium. Only five species of Loimia show a crenulated pygidium, while in eleven this character remains undescribed (Supp. file 1: Table S 1); for none of them, however, a persistent pigmentation is mentioned. Loimia saraiae differs from these eleven species also in the arrangement of the lateral lobes (two pairs on segments 1 and 3) and branchiae (three pairs on segments 2 – 4, the 3 rd being the largest): Loimia ochracea (Grube, 1877) and L. bandera Hutchings, 1990 possess three pairs of lateral lobes, while L. bermudensis Verrill, 1900 has lobes on segments 1 – 2, and L. batilla, L. decora Pillai, 1961, L. grubei Holthe, 1986, and L. ingens have lobes arising from segments 2 – 3. Loimia armata Carrerette & Nogueira, 2015, L. contorta (Ehlers, 1908), L. crassifilis, L. minuta Treadwell, 1929, and L. ingens share the mid-ventrally connected 1 st pair of lateral lobes and branchiae decreasing from 1 to 3 (lateral lobes ventrally separated and 2 nd pair of branchiae being the largest in L. saraiae). Loimia contorta and L. savignyi McIntosh, 1885 further differ in having uncini with a dorsal button, and L. verrucosa Caullery, 1944 in having dorsal tubercles on the abdominal segments. Among the species with crenulated pygidium, L. keablei Nogueira, Hutchings & Carrerette, 2015, L. juani Nogueira, Hutchings & Carrerette, 2015, L. aimehoensis Hutchings, Daffe, Glasby & Lavesque, 2025, and L. poraporaensis Hutchings, Daffe, Glasby & Lavesque, 2025 are not pigmented and have uncini with dorsal buttons, contrary to L. saraiae sp. nov. Pigmentation on pygidium and thoracic notopodia also distinguishes L. saraiae from L. tuberculata Nogueira, Hutchings & Carrerette, 2015, which possesses unique big papillae (tubercules) on posterior dorsal body end (absent in L. saraiae), a different number of denticles in the uncini, and the first pair of branchiae being the largest (second in L. saraiae).	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
EF29879EAE09ED51FD09FA2CFE1B57BB.taxon	description	Molecular analyses COI barcode and 16 S analyses (Fig. 5; Supp. file 2: Fig. S 2) clearly support the erection of L. saraiae sp. nov. – including both the Israeli and Cypriot sequences – with the most closely related species – also morphologically – being L. tuberculata. However, L. saraiae sp. nov. and L. tuberculata differ by 16.3 % uncorrected p-distance.	en	Goren, Liron, Martin, Daniel (2026): Uncovering cryptic diversity in Loimia (Annelida: Terebellidae), with the description of two new species from the Eastern Mediterranean. European Journal of Taxonomy 1048: 40-61, DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3233, URL: https://europeanjournaloftaxonomy.eu/index.php/ejt/article/download/3233/14329
