taxonID	type	description	language	source
03A587FCB048A642FF20B7D7E780B71E.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Prostomium zygoloboic. Unpigmented. Male pores intraclitellar. Gizzard, calciferous lamellae and glands, typhlosole, and intestinal caeca absent. Holonephridia, first pair in or behind xi, nephridiopores intrasegmental. Spermatheca, when present, without diverticula. Semiaquatic or limicolous earthworms.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB04BA64FFF20B408E651B299.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: 2 F 524 BE 9 - C 791 - 49 E 6 - B 11 B- 892259 FFF 78 E Figures 4 A – C; 9 B	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB04BA64FFF20B408E651B299.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype: GTIC- 11468; One adult, in sediments along the banks of the Tyger River, Calhoun Experimental Forest, Union, Union Co., South Carolina, USA. Col. R. Carrera-Martínez, M. K. Taylor, M. A. Callaham, Jr. & G. Chapman. 18. MAY. 2017 (34.64073 ° N, 081.69579 ° W). Paratypes: GTIC- 11469 to 11473, and 11655; Six adults, together with holotype. GTIC- 11475: One adult, same location as holotype. Col. R. Carrera-Martínez, M. K. Taylor, & G. Chapman. 19. JUL. 2017.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB04BA64FFF20B408E651B299.taxon	etymology	Etymology: This species is named after Dr. Roger Arliner Young (1889 – 1964), who was the first African American woman to earn a PhD in zoology in the United States.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB04BA64FFF20B408E651B299.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Length 40 – 55 mm. Dorsal pores absent. Clitellum saddle-shaped in xv – xxiii, xxiv, xxv, ventral limit in b. Tubercula pubertatis continuous in (1 / n) xvii, xxviii – xxii, band-shaped, ventral limit dorsal to b. Setae closely paired: ab = cd, aa <bc <dd. Spermathecal pores level with cd, in 6 / 7 – 8 / 9, very small. Prostatic pores in xxiii – xxv, inconspicuous, or absent. Secondary annulation absent. Genital tumescences surrounding ab in xv, xvi, xvii – xxv all weakly developed, genital pad in xxvi. Intestinal origin in ix. One pair of spermathecae per segment in vii – ix, spermathecae differentiated into ampulla and duct, duct tubular, twice as long or longer than the globular ampulla. Prostate-like glands and auxiliary prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxv or absent. First nephridia in xiii.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB04BA64FFF20B408E651B299.taxon	description	Description: Length of unamputated preserved specimens 40 – 55 mm (mean = 45.6 mm, holotype = 45 mm). Diameter in x, 1.7 – 2.8 mm (mean = 2.2 mm, holotype = 1.8 mm), in clitellum 2.5 – 3.8 mm (mean = 2.9 mm, holotype = 2.5 mm). Number of segments, 101 – 180 (mean = 148.7 mm, holotype = 141). Body ovate in cross-section anteriorly, dorsoventrally flattened at the clitellum, quadrangular posterior to clitellum, tail quadrangular and dorsoventrally flattened, anus as a dorsal-terminal slit. Preserved specimens with pale-whitish coloration, reddish-pink anteriorly, clitellum pinkish-white. Cuticle with strong green-blue iridescence. Prostomium zygolobic. Dorsal pores absent. Spermathecal pores in 6 / 7 – 8 / 9 level with cd, minute or inconspicuous. Female pores minute in xiv, anterior to a. Male pores lateral to b in xix, slightly pre-setal, within tubercula pubertatis. Clitellum in xv – xxiii, xxiv, xxv saddle-shaped, ventral limit in b. Tubercula pubertatis continuous (1 / n) xvii, xviii – xxii, band-shaped, ventral limit just above b. Prostatic-like pores in xxiii – xxv, inconspicuous, or absent (n = 2). Nephridiopores anterior to b, starting in segment xiii. First setae in ii, lumbricine, closely paired. In x aa: ab: bc: cd: dd = 4.56: 1.03: 5.69: 1.00: 7.56; in xxx = 4.81: 1.00: 5.63: 1.00: 7.56, cd and most ab not visible in clitellum. Secondary annulation absent. Genital tumescences weak in xv, xvi, xvii – xxv surrounding ab; genital pad in xxvi. Septa 7 / 8 – 8 / 9 thickened. Pharynx ends in segment vi, joining small esophagus. Intestine originates gradually in ix. Intestinal caeca, typhlosole, calciferous glands, and gizzard absent. One pair of spermathecae in vii – ix, without diverticula. Spermathecal structure differentiated into ampulla and duct, all similar size. Duct tubular, slender, two to three times as long as the ampulla. Ampulla globular, smooth. Duct connects to the intersegmental furrows level with setal line bc. Spermathecae located between weak muscular fiber originated anteriorly in the intersegmental section of the esophagus and connecting posteriorly to the intersegmental-septum joint. Ovaries in xiii, free, string-like. Oviduct connects in segment xiv, anterior to b. Testes free in x and xi. Epididymis in x and xi. Seminal vesicles, free in xi, and xii, large, filling most of the celomic cavity, racemose. Vas deferens within muscular body wall. Tubular, prostate-like glands, greatly reduced in xxiii – xxv (n = 6), or absent (n = 2). Auxiliary prostate-like glands absent One pair of holonephridia per segment, starting at xiii. Holonephridia of xiv reduced and smaller than xiii. Those of xiii of same size as the ones in xv – xxvii, but smaller than those in xviii and afterwards. Holonephridia tubular, bladder composed of highly coiled tubules dorsally, ventrally with a u-shaped vesicle. One pair of moniliform hearts in vii – xi; all approximately same size. Dorsal and ventral vessel present, and simple. Paired lateral vessel present, joining dorsal vessel in xiv, filiform.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB04BA64FFF20B408E651B299.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Sparganophilus youngae sp. nov. resembles S. pearsei pearsei Reynolds, 1975 and S. meansi Reynolds, 1980 on the extension of the clitellum, tubercula pubertatis, and prostate-like glands (when present). Sparganophilus youngae differs from S. pearsei pearsei in having the clitellum usually extending to xxiv and xxv, and having genital tumescences in xv – xxiii, xxiv; and from S. meansi in always having its clitellum starting in xv (in xvi or xvii for S. meansi) and on the extension and location of its genital tumescences (limited to xvi and xvii for S. meansi). Sparganophilus youngae differs from all other valid sparganophilid species in its spermathecal structure and reduction or complete absence of the prostate-like glands. Sparganophilus sp 10, described below, also lacks prostate-like glands but differences between these species include extension and location of the clitellum and tubercula pubertatis, and size. Sparganophilus youngae is on average the smallest species of Sparganophilus (by length and number of segments), with the potential exception of Sparganophilus sp 02, described below.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB045A64EFF20B269E26DB299.taxon	description	Figures 4 D – F	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB045A64EFF20B269E26DB299.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype: GTIC- 11478; One adult. In sediments along the banks of an unnamed 2 nd order tributary to the Tyger River, Calhoun Experimental Forest, Union, Union Co., South Carolina, USA. Col. R. Carrera-Martínez, M. K. Taylor, M. A. Callaham, Jr. & G. Chapman. 27. APR. 2017. (34.62249 ° N, 081.68809 ° W). Paratypes: GTIC- 11479 to 11481, 11484, and 11485; Six adults, same information as the Holotype. GTIC- 11483; same location as holotype, Col. R. Carrera-Martínez, M. K. Taylor, M & G. Chapman. 20. JUL. 2017.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB045A64EFF20B269E26DB299.taxon	etymology	Etymology: This species is named after Dr. David Jenkins, who supported the first author at the beginning of his career.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB045A64EFF20B269E26DB299.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Length 62 – 90 mm. Dorsal pores absent. Clitellum annular in xv – xxvii. Tubercula pubertatis continuous in (1 / n) xvii, xviii – xxii, band-shaped, ventral limit at setae line a. Setae closely paired: ab = cd, aa <bc <dd. Spermathecal pores between cd, in 6 / 7 – 8 / 9, inconspicuous. Pores of prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxvi. Secondary annulation absent. Genital pad in xxvii, band-shaped, extending between aa. Intestinal origin in ix. One pair of spermathecae in vii – ix, spermathecal structure well differentiated into ampulla and duct, smooth, duct conical, as long as the globular, elongated ampulla. Prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxvi, and auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. First nephridia in xiii, tubular bladder, wide u-shaped vesicle.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB045A64EFF20B269E26DB299.taxon	description	Description: Length of unamputated preserved specimens 62 – 90 mm (mean = 75.0 mm, holotype> 50 mm, posterior amputee). Diameter in x 2.0 – 3.0 mm (mean = 2.8 mm, holotype = 2.5 mm), in clitellum, 2.4 – 3.7 mm (mean = 3.3 mm, holotype = 3.5 mm). Number of segments, 208 – 270 (mean = 228.7, holotype> 138). Body ovoid in cross-section anteriorly, ventrally flattened at the clitellum, quadrangular in cross-section posterior to clitellum. Preserved specimens with whitish-pale coloration, clitellum darker. Cuticle with strong green-blue-purple iridescence. Prostomium zygolobic. Dorsal pores absent. Spermathecal pores in 6 / 7 – 8 / 9 between cd, inconspicuous. Female pores minute in xiv, anterior to ab, closer to a, minute but visible. Male pores lateral to b in xix, equatorial, within tubercula pubertatis. Clitellum in xv – xxvii annular, less developed between bb. Tubercula pubertatis continuous (1 / n) xvii, xviii – xxii, band-shaped including setae line b, ventral limit at a. Prostate-like pores in xxiii – xxvi, next to b. Nephridiopores anterior to ab, closer to a, starting in xiii, minute but visible. First setae in ii, lumbricine, closely paired. In x aa: ab: bc: cd: dd = 5.00: 1.00: 6.80: 1.00: 8.93, in xxx = 5.36: 1.00: 7.14: 1.0: 9.14; cd not visible in clitellum, some of ab not visible in xviii – xxii. Secondary annulation absent. No genital tumescences or genital markings observed; genital pad in xxvii between aa. Dark spots visible just at or slightly dorsal to mid-lateral line, in a regular in i – xiv, and in some postclitellar segments. One dorsal pit in the equator of the peristomium. Septa 6 / 7 – 8 / 9 slightly thickened, 6 / 7 thinnest. Pharynx ends in iv, joining a small esophagus. Intestine originates abruptly in ix. Intestinal caeca, typhlosole, calciferous glands, and gizzard absent. One pair of spermathecae in vii – ix, without diverticulum. Spermathecal structure well differentiated into ampulla and duct, all similar size. Duct as long as or slightly longer than the ampulla, slightly conical, wide. Ampulla globular, smooth, elongated, or ellipsoidal. Duct connects to the intersegmental furrows level with setal line bc. Spermathecae located between a weak muscular fiber originated anteriorly in the intersegmental section of the esophagus and connecting posteriorly to the intersegmental-septum joint. Ovaries in xiii, free, string-like. Oviduct connects in segment xiv, anterior to a. Testes free in x and xi, with epididymis. Seminal vesicles, free in xi and xii, large and restricted to their segment. Vas deferens within muscular body wall. Tubular, prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxvi, long, coiled. Auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. One pair of holonephridia per segment, starting at xiii. Holonephridia tubular, bladder composed of highly coiled tubules dorsally, ventrally with a narrow u-shaped vesicle, those of xiii – xxii slightly smaller than the rest. Holonephridia of xiv attached to 13 / 14 septa. A vessel is attached at the basal part of the vesicle. Paired moniliform hearts in vii – xi, size increasing posteriorly. Dorsal and ventral vessel complete, and simple. Paired lateral vessel present, joining dorsal vessel in xiii, filiform.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB045A64EFF20B269E26DB299.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Sparganophilus jenkinsi sp. nov. resembles S. tamesis in its clitellum and tubercula pubertatis extension, and on having prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxvi, but differs from S. tamesis and other species in its genus by the location of the tubercula pubertatis in relation to its setal rows and having a genital pad in xxvii extending between aa.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB044A64DFF20B269E18FB7A2.taxon	description	Figures 5 A – C	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB044A64DFF20B269E18FB7A2.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype: GTIC- 11493; One adult. Falling Creek, Hitchiti Experimental Forest, Jones Co., Georgia, USA. Collected from silty sediments along the creek bank, rich in organic matter, under a slope with some perennial herbs Col. R. Carrera-Martínez, M. K. Taylor. 2. MAY. 2017. (33.03521 ° N, 083.71082 ° W). Paratypes: GTIC- 11498, 11499, and 11653; Three adults, same information as holotype. GTIC- 11486; One adult, from sand bars of Sandy Creek, near Scull Shoals Experimental Forest, Oconee National Forest, Greene Co., Georgia, USA. Coll. R. Carrera-Martínez, M. K. Taylor, & M. A. Callaham, Jr. 18. APR. 2017. (33.76915 ° N, 083.28407 ° W)	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB044A64DFF20B269E18FB7A2.taxon	etymology	Etymology: Named after the Oconee National Forest, where all specimens of the species were collected.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB044A64DFF20B269E18FB7A2.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Length 45 – 65 mm. Dorsal pores absent, or if present, rudimentary. Clitellum saddle-shaped in xv – xxv, xxvi, xxvii, ventral limit in b. Tubercula pubertatis continuous in (1 / n) xvii, xvii – xxii, band-shaped, ventral limit in b. Setae closely paired: ab ≈ cd, aa <bc <dd. Spermathecal pores between cd, in 6 / 7 – 8 / 9, small. Prostatic pores in xxiii – xxv, rarely in xxii – xxiii. Secondary annulation absent. Genital tumescences surrounding ab moderately developed in xv – xxv, variable. Band-shaped genital pad in xxv – xxvi or xxvii. Intestinal origin in ix. One pair spermathecae per segment in vii – ix, spermathecal structure moderately to well differentiated into ampulla and duct, smooth, duct tubular, three to four times as long as the globular ampulla. Prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxv, rarely in xxvi, and auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. First nephridia in xiii, tubular bladder, wide u-shaped vesicle.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB044A64DFF20B269E18FB7A2.taxon	description	Description: Length of unamputated preserved specimens 45 – 65 mm (mean = 58.3 mm, holotype = 45 mm). Diameter in x 2.0 – 2.8 mm (mean = 2.4, holotype = 2.0 mm), in clitellum, 2.5 – 4.0 mm (mean = 3.3 mm, holotype = 2.5 mm). Number of segments of unamputated specimens, 129 – 222 (mean = 189, holotype = 129). Body ovoid in cross-section anteriorly, ventrally flattened at the clitellum, quadrangular in cross-section posterior to the clitellum. Anus as a dorsal slit. Preserved specimens with a pale-yellow coloration, clitellum darker than body. Cuticle with a strong blue-green-purple iridescence. Prostomium zygolobic. Dorsal pores absent (n = 4), or when present, rudimentary and discontinuous (n = 1). Spermathecal pores in intersegmental furrows 6 / 7 – 8 / 9 between cd, small. Female pores in xiv, anterior to a, minute but visible. Male pores lateral to b post-setal in xix, within tubercula pubertatis. Clitellum in xv – xxv, xxvi, xxvii saddle-shaped, ventral limit in b, not always well defined. Tubercula pubertatis continuous (1 / n) xvii, xvii – xxii, band-shaped, ventral limit in b. Prostate-like pores in xxii – xxiii (n = 1) or xxiii – xxv, next to b. Nephridiopores to ab, closer to a, starting in segment xiii, very small. First setae in ii, each segment has eight setae closely paired. In x aa: ab: bc: cd: dd = 4.67: 1.00: 5.44: 1.00: 9.81, in xxx = 4.78: 1.00: 5.33: 1.00: 9.70; cd not visible in clitellum. Secondary annulation absent. Genital tumescences surrounding ab in some or all of xv – xxvii, weakly or moderately developed. Genital pad band-shaped in xxv – xxvi, or xxvii, extending to b. Post-setal dark spots visible just ventral to c, in a regular line in i – xiv. Dorsal pit on the peristomium not observed. Septa 6 / 7, 7 / 8 – 8 / 9 thickened. Pharynx ends in iv, joining a small esophagus. Intestine originates abruptly in ix. Intestinal caeca, typhlosole, calciferous glands, and gizzard absent. Paired spermathecae in vii – ix, without diverticulum. Spermathecal structure moderately to well differentiated into ampulla and duct, all similar size. Duct two to three times as long as the ampulla, conical. Ampulla globular, smooth, ovate. Duct connects to the intersegmental furrows level with the setal line cb. Spermathecae located between a weak muscular fiber originating anteriorly in the intersegmental section of the esophagus and connecting posteriorly to the intersegmental-septum joint. Ovaries in xiii, free, string-like. Oviduct connects in segment xiv, anterior to a. Testes free in x and xi. Epididymis in x and xi, iridescent. Seminal vesicles, free in xi, and xii, large, restricted to their segment. Vas deferens within muscular body wall. Tubular, prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxv (n = 4) or rarely in xxii – xxiii (n = 1) large, long, highly coiled. Auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. One pair of holonephridia per segment, starting at xiii. Holonephridia of xiv attached to 13 / 14 septa, all similar size. Holonephridia tubular, bladder composed of highly coiled tubules dorsally, ventrally with a narrow u-shaped vesicle. A vessel is attached at the basal part of the vesicle. Paired moniliform hearts in vii – xi, all similar size. Dorsal and ventral vessel complete, and simple. Paired lateral vessel present, joining dorsal vessel in xiv, filiform.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB044A64DFF20B269E18FB7A2.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Sparganophilus oconeeae sp. nov. resembles S. tamesis, S. pearsei pearsei, S. wilmae Reynolds, 1980, S. muskogee sp. nov., S. jenkinsi sp. nov., and S. williamsae sp. nov. in the location and extension of the clitellum and tubercula pubertatis. Sparganophilus oconeeae differs from S. muskogee in that its prostate-like glands lack porophores and it is slightly smaller, and from the other beforementioned species in that it always lacks prostate-like glands in or after xxvi, and on the number and location of their genital tumescenses. Sparganophilus oconeeae also resembles S. pearsei libertiensis Reynolds, 1980, and S. pearsei sarasotae Reynolds, 1980, both S. pearsei subspecies have shorter clitellum [(1 / n) xv, xvi – xxiii, (1 / n) xxiv and xv – xxiii, respectively], more anterior intestinal origin (in viii and vii), and number and location of genital tumescenses (lacking in S. p. libertiensis, and around b on xv – xvii and xxiii – xxvi in S. p. sarasotae).	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB046A64BFF20B1E0E113B299.taxon	description	Figures 5 D – F	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB046A64BFF20B1E0E113B299.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype: GTIC- 11489; One adult, From sand bars of an unnamed first order tributary to Sandy Creek, Scull Shoals Experimental Forest, Oconee National Forest, Greene Co., Georgia, USA. Coll. R. Carrera-Martínez, M. K. Taylor, & M. A. Callaham, Jr. 14. APR. 2017. (33.74306 ° N, 83.25230 ° W) Paratypes: GTIC- 11488; Two adults, From sand bars of Sandy Creek, near Scull Shoals Experimental Forest, Oconee National Forest, Greene Co., Georgia, USA. Coll. R. Carrera-Martínez, M. K. Taylor, & M. A. Callaham, Jr. 18. APR. 2017. (33.76915 ° N, 083.28407 ° W). GTIC- 11482; One adults. In sediments along the bank of an unnamed 2 nd order tributary to the Tyger River, Calhoun Experimental Forest, Union, Union Co., South Carolina, USA. Col. R. Carrera-Martínez, M. K. Taylor, M. A. Callaham, Jr. & G. Chapman. 27. APR. 2017. (34.62249 ° N, 081.68809 ° W). Additional Material: GTIC- 11477; Same information as GTIC- 11482. GTIC- 11487; Same information as GTIC- 11488.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB046A64BFF20B1E0E113B299.taxon	etymology	Etymology: This species is named after Dr. Marguerite Thomas Williams (1895 – 1991), first African American to earn a PhD in geology in the United States, focusing her studies on erosion in river basins.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB046A64BFF20B1E0E113B299.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Length 70 – 75 mm. Dorsal pores absent or present pre- and post-clitellum, first in 2 / 3. Clitellum saddle-shaped in xv – xxv, xxvi, xxvii. Tubercula pubertatis continuous in xvii – xxii, band-shaped, ventral limit in b. Setae closely paired: ab = cd, aa <dd, bc = dd. Spermathecal pores level with c, in 6 / 7 – 8 / 9. Prostatic pores inconspicuous in xxiii – xxvi. Secondary annulation absent. Genital tumescences surrounding ab weakly developed in xvii – xxvi, variable; genital pad extending to setal line b in xxvii or xvii – xxviii. Intestinal origin in ix. One pair of spermathecae per segment in vii – ix, spermathecal structure well differentiated into ampulla and duct, duct tubular, longer or as long as the globular ampulla, ampulla with ellipsoidal and undulating margin. Prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxvi and auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. First nephridia in xiii, tubular bladder, wide u-shaped vesicle.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB046A64BFF20B1E0E113B299.taxon	description	Description: Length of the two unamputated preserved specimens 70, 75 mm (holotype> 70 mm, posterior amputee). Diameter in x 2.5 – 3.0 mm (mean = 2.7 mm, holotype = 2.6 mm), in clitellum, 3.5 – 4.0 mm (mean = 3.6 mm, holotype = 3.0 mm). Number of segments, 189, 215 (holotype> 141). Body ovoid in cross-section anteriorly, ventrally flattened at the clitellum, quadrangular in cross-section posterior to clitellum. Anus as a dorsal slit. Preserved specimens with a pale whitish coloration, clitellum darker than body, pinkish. Cuticle with a strong purple iridescence. Prostomium zygolobic. Dorsal pores absent or present pre- and postclitellum, rudimentary. Spermathecal pores in 6 / 7 – 8 / 9 between cd, small or inconspicuous. Female pores minute in xiv, anterior to a, conspicuous, ventral to nephridiopore. Male pores lateral to b in xix (n = 3) or xviii (n = 1), equatorial or nearly so, within the tubercula pubertatis. Clitellum in xv – xxv, xxvi, xxvii saddle-shaped. Tubercula pubertatis continuous (1 / n) xvii, xvii – xxii, ventral limit in b. Prostate-like pores in xxiii – xxvi next to b. Nephridiopores anterior to ab, starting in segment xiii, very small. First setae in ii, lumbricine, closely paired. In x aa: ab: bc: cd: dd = 5.63: 1.25: 8. 88: 1.00: 10.82, in xxx = 6.13: 1.00: 8.63: 1.00: 10.69. Setae cd not visible in clitellum. Secondary annulation absent. Genital tumescences surrounding b or ab in some or all of xvii – xxvi. Genital markings present in two specimens from Calhoun Experimental Forest site, in one specimen paired surrounding ab in x; in the other specimen, unpaired surrounding left ab in x, and right ab in ix. Genital pads present in xxvii or xxvii – xxviii, extending to b. Post-setal dark spots visible, minute at the mid-lateral line, in a regular line in i – xiv. Dorsal pit in the equator of the peristomium. Septa 7 / 8 – 8 / 9 only slightly thickened. Pharynx ends in iv, joining a small esophagus. Intestine originates abruptly in ix. Intestinal caeca, typhlosole, calciferous glands, and gizzard absent. Paired spermathecae in vii – ix, without diverticulum. Spermathecal structure well differentiated into ampulla and duct, all similar size. Duct about as long as or longer than the ampulla, tubular. Ampulla globular, with lateral annulations, ellipsoidal or elongated, and with a digitiform tip. Duct connects to the intersegmental furrow level with setal line cb. Spermathecae located between a weak muscular fiber originating anteriorly in the intersegmental section of the esophagus and connecting posteriorly to the intersegmental-septum joint. Ovaries in xiii, free, string-like. Oviduct connects in segment xiv, anterior to a. Testes free in x and xi. Epididymis in x and xi, iridescent. Seminal vesicles, free in xi, and xii, large and restricted to their segment. Vas deferens within muscular body wall. Tubular, prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxvi. Auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. One pair of holonephridia per segment, starting at xiii. Holonephridia of xiv attached to 13 / 14 septa. Those in xiii – xxiii smaller than the rest, xiv the smallest. Holonephridia tubular, bladder composed of highly coiled tubules dorsally, ventrally with a narrow u-shaped vesicle. A vessel stoma is attached at the ectal part of the vesicle. Paired moniliform hearts in vii – xi, size increasing posteriorly. Dorsal and ventral vessel complete, and simple. Paired lateral vessel present, joining dorsal vessel in xiv, filiform.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB046A64BFF20B1E0E113B299.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Sparganophilus williamsae sp. nov. resembles S. jenkinsi sp. nov. in having the clitellum in xv – xxv, xxvi, xxvii and xv – xxvii (respectively), and prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxv, xxvi. Sparganophilus williamsae differs from S. jenkinsi on having the tubercula pubertatis ventral limit level with b, the tubercula pubertatis in xvii – xxii [vs. (1 / n) xvii, xviii – xxii], and having dorsal pores. Like S. jenkinsi, S. williamsae also resembles S. tamesis, and S. wilmae, but S. williamsae differs from these on the number and location of their genital tumescences, occasionally having dorsal pores, and size. Sparganophilus williamsae further differs from S. wilmae on having their prostate-like glands (xxiv – xxviii in S. wilmae), and the location of its tubercula pubertatis (xix – xxiii in S. wilmae). Even though one of the specimens collected at the Calhoun Experimental Forest site (GTIC- 11477) and another from Scull Shoals Experimental Forest site (GTIC- 11487) are strongly divergent from those used as our type material (see tree in Figure 3), we decided to keep both specimens within S. williamsae since no strong morphological difference could be detected, except for a slightly wider genital pad, and paired genital markings in x on one specimen (GTIC- 11477), and unpaired surrounding ab in ix and x in the other (GTIC- 11482). Future collections should be made to confirm their identity.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB041A649FF20B269E28DB1F9.taxon	description	Figures 6 A – C	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB041A649FF20B269E28DB1F9.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype: GTIC- 11491; One adult, Falling Creek, Hitchiti Experimental Forest, Jones Co., Georgia, USA. Collected from silty sediments on the creek bank, rich in organic matter, under a slope with some perennial herbs. Col. R. Carrera-Martínez, M. K. Taylor. 2. MAY. 2017. (33.03521 ° N, 083.71082 ° W) Paratypes: GTIC- 11492, 11494 to 11497, 11500 to 11502, 11505, 11651, 11652; Nine adults, same information as Holotype.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB041A649FF20B269E28DB1F9.taxon	etymology	Etymology: This species is named after the Mvskoke indigenous nation which inhabited the area where the type material was collected before their forced, and violent removal. Named by phonetical spelling.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB041A649FF20B269E28DB1F9.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Length 60 – 80 mm. Dorsal pores absent, or if present postclitellar, rudimentary. Clitellum saddle-shaped in xv – xxvi, xxvii. Tubercula pubertatis continuous in xvii – xxii, band-shaped, ventral limit in b. Setae closely paired: ab ≈ cd, aa <bc <dd. Spermathecal pores between cd, in 6 / 7 – 8 / 9, rarely only in 7 / 8, small. Prostatic pores in xxiii – xxv, rarely in xxvi. Secondary annulation absent or light secondary annulation in ii – xxvii. Genital tumescences surrounding ab moderately to well developed in xv – xxvi, variable. Genital markings variable, surrounding ab in any of x – xiv, between ab in 26 / 27, between cd in 8 / 9. Band-shaped genital pad in xxvii. Intestinal origin in ix. One pair of spermathecae per segment in vii – ix, rarely only in viii. Spermathecal structure moderately to well differentiated into ampulla and duct, smooth, duct tubular, three to four times as long as the globular ampulla. Prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxv, rarely in xxvi, and auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. First nephridia in xiii, tubular bladder, wide u-shaped vesicle.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB041A649FF20B269E28DB1F9.taxon	description	Description: Length of unamputated preserved specimens 60 – 80 mm (mean = 68.3 mm, holotype> 40 mm, posterior amputee). Diameter in x 2.0 – 2.5 mm (mean = 2.4 mm, holotype = 2.5 mm); in clitellum, 2.5 – 3.5 mm (mean = 3.3 mm, holotype = 3.0 mm). Number of segments of unamputated specimens, 165 – 225 (mean = 187.7, holotype> 81). Body ovoid in cross-section anteriorly, ventrally flattened at the clitellum, quadrangular in cross-section posterior to the clitellum. Anus as a dorsal slit. Preserved specimens with a pale-yellow coloration, clitellum darker than body or pinkish. Cuticle with a strong blue-green-purple iridescence. Prostomium zygolobic. Dorsal pores absent (n = 5) or if present (n = 5), posterior to the clitellum, rudimentary and discontinuous. Spermathecal pores in intersegmental furrows 6 / 7 – 8 / 9, rarely only in 7 / 8 (1 specimen), between cd, small. Female pores in xiv, anterior to a, minute but visible. Male pores lateral to b post-setal in xix, within tubercula pubertatis. Clitellum in xv – xxvi, xxvii saddle-shaped, ventral limit in b, sometimes with a gradually fading margin. Tubercula pubertatis continuous xvii – xxii, band-shaped, ventral limit in b. Prostate-like pores in xxiii – xxv, xxvi next to b, on small porophores. Nephridiopores in ab, closer to a, starting in segment xiii, very small. First setae in ii, each segment has eight setae closely paired. In x aa: ab: bc: cd: dd = 4.62: 1.00: 6.24: 1.05: 10.07, in xxx = 5.23: 1.00: 6.87: 1.03: 10.69; cd not visible in clitellum. Secondary annulation absent. Genital tumescences surrounding ab in some or all of xv – xxvi, moderately to strongly developed. Genital pad band-shaped in xxvii, extending between to setal line b. Genital markings surrounding ab in x present in three specimens, unpaired on left side of xii, xiv, and xv and paired in 26 / 27 in a single specimen. Post-setal dark spots visible just ventral to c, in a regular line in i – xiv. Dorsal pit on the peristomium not observed. Septa 6 / 7 – 8 / 9 thickened. Pharynx ends in iv, joining a small esophagus. Intestine originates abruptly in ix. Intestinal caeca, typhlosole, calciferous glands, and gizzard absent. One pair spermathecae per segment in vii – ix, or rarely a single pair in viii (1 specimen), without diverticulum. Spermathecal structure moderately to well differentiated into ampulla and duct, all similar size. Duct three to four times as long as the ampulla, conical. Ampulla globular, smooth, spherical to ovate. Duct connects to the intersegmental furrows level with the setal line cb. Spermathecae located between a weak muscular fiber originating anteriorly in the intersegmental section of the esophagus and connecting posteriorly to the intersegmental-septum joint. Ovaries in xiii, free, string-like. Oviduct connects in segment xiv, anterior to a. Testes free in x and xi. Epididymis in x and xi, iridescent. Seminal vesicles, free in xi, and xii, large, restricted to their segment or those in xii extending into xiii. Vas deferens within muscular body wall. Tubular, prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxv, large, long, highly coiled, rarely present in xxvi as well (n = 3). Auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. One pair of holonephridia per segment, starting at xiii. Holonephridia of xiv attached to 13 / 14 septa, all similar size. Holonephridia tubular, bladder composed of highly coiled tubules dorsally, ventrally with a narrow u-shaped vesicle. A vessel stoma is attached at the basal part of the vesicle. Paired moniliform hearts in vii – xi, all similar size. Dorsal and ventral vessel complete, and simple. Paired lateral vessel present, joining dorsal vessel in xiv, filiform.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB041A649FF20B269E28DB1F9.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Sparganophilus muskogee sp. nov. resembles S. oconeeae sp. nov., S. jenkinsi sp. nov., and S. williamsae sp. nov. in the location and extension of the clitellum and tubercula pubertatis. However, S. muskogee has secondary annulation, lacks dorsal pores, the spermathecal duct is 3 – 4 times as long as the ampulla, and has the prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxv. Sparganophilus muskogee further resembles S. wilmae, and S. kristinae Reynolds, 1980. Sparganophilus muskogee differs from S. wilmae on its size (60 – 80 and 120 – 135 mm, respectively), number and location of their prostate-like glands (xxiii – xxv and xxiv – xxvii), and extension of their tubercula pubertatis (xvii – xxii and xix – xxiii). The new species differs from S. kristinae on the extend and location of genital tumescences (xxiii – xxvi and xv – xxvi, respectively), presence of pre-clitellum genital markings on the new species, position of dorsal pores when present (post-clitellum vs. pre-clitellum), intestinal origin (ix and viii), and extent of the clitellum (xv – xxvi, xxvii and xiv – xxviii).	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB043A648FF20B089E67DB1DD.taxon	description	Figures 6 D – F	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB043A648FF20B089E67DB1DD.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype: GTIC- 11503; One adult, Falling Creek, Hitchiti Experimental Forest, Jones Co., Georgia, USA. Collected from silty sediments along the creek bank, rich in organic matter, under a slope with some perennial herbs (33.03521 ° N, 083.71082 ° W). Col. R. Carrera-Martínez, M. K. Taylor. 2. MAY. 2017. Paratype: GTIC- 11504; One adult, collected with holotype.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB043A648FF20B089E67DB1DD.taxon	etymology	Etymology: This species is named after George Washington Carver (1864 – 1943), African-American agricultural researcher and educator who promoted sustainable agricultural practices, preventing soil degradation.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB043A648FF20B089E67DB1DD.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Length> 55 mm. Dorsal pores absent. Clitellum saddle-shaped in xv – xxv, ventral limit dorsal to b. Tubercula pubertatis continuous in xviii – xxi, xxii, band-shaped, ventral limit dorsal to setae line b. Setae closely paired: ab = cd, aa = bc, aa <dd. Spermathecal pores between cd, in 6 / 7 – 8 / 9, inconspicuous. Prostatic pores in xxiii – xxv. Secondary annulation absent. Genital tumescences surrounding ab weakly developed in xv – xxii. Intestinal origin in ix. Paired spermathecae in vii – ix, spermathecal structure well differentiated into ampulla and duct, smooth, duct conical, as long as the spherical ampulla. Prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxv and auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. First nephridia in xiii, tubular bladder, wide u-shaped vesicle.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB043A648FF20B089E67DB1DD.taxon	description	Description: Length of holotype> 55 mm (> 13 mm on paratype; both specimens are posteriorly amputated). Diameter in x of holotype 2.0 mm, of paratype, 2.5 mm; in clitellum of holotype 3.5 mm, of paratype, 2.8 mm. Number of segments of holotype> 110 (> 30 on paratype). Body ovoid in cross-section anteriorly, ventrally flattened at the clitellum, quadrangular in cross-section posterior to the clitellum. Preserved specimens with a pale-yellow coloration, clitellum pink. Cuticle with a strong blue-green iridescence. Prostomium zygolobic. Dorsal pores absent. Spermathecal pores in intersegmental furrows 6 / 7 – 8 / 9 between cd, inconspicuous. Female pores in xiv, anterior to a, minute but visible. Male pores lateral to b equatorial, at the dorsal margin of the tubercula pubertatis in xxi. Clitellum in xv – xxv saddle-shaped, ventral limit dorsal to b. Tubercula pubertatis continuous xviii – xxi, band-shaped, ventral limit dorsal to setae line b. Prostate-like pores in xxiii – xxv next to b, inconspicuous. Nephridiopores in each segment anterior to ab, closer to a, starting in segment xiii, very small. First setae in ii, each segment has eight setae closely paired. In x aa: ab: bc: cd: dd = 5.00: 1.00: 5.75: 1.00: 9.50, in xxx = 5.00: 1.00: 6.25: 1.00: 9.50; cd not visible in clitellum. Secondary annulation absent. Genital tumescences surrounding ab in some or all of xv – xxii, weakly developed. Genital pad absent. Post-setal dark spots visible at the mid-lateral line, in a regular line in i – xiv. Dorsal pit on the peristomium not observed. Septa 5 / 6 – 8 / 9 slightly thickened. Pharynx ends in iv, joining a small esophagus. Intestine originates abruptly in ix. Intestinal caeca, typhlosole, calciferous glands, and gizzard absent. One pair of spermathecae per segment in vii – ix, without diverticulum. Spermathecal structure well differentiated into ampulla and duct, all similar size. Duct about as long as or slightly longer than the ampulla, conical, very thin at the ampulla junction. Ampulla globular, smooth, spherical. Duct connects to the intersegmental furrows level with the setal line cb. Spermathecae located between a weak muscular fiber originated anteriorly in the intersegmental section of the esophagus and connecting posteriorly to the intersegmental-septum joint. Ovaries in xiii, free, string-like. Oviduct connects in segment xiv, anterior to a. Testes free in x and xi. Epididymis in x and xi, large, iridescent. Seminal vesicles, free, small in x, large and restricted to their segment in xi, and xii. Vas deferens within muscular body wall. Tubular, prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxv, small, delicate. Auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. One pair of holonephridia per segment, starting at xiii. Holonephridia of xiv attached to 13 / 14 septa, all similar size. Holonephridia tubular, bladder composed of highly coiled tubules dorsally, ventrally with a wide u-shaped vesicle, longer than the bladder. Stoma not observed. Paired moniliform hearts in vii – xi, all similar size. Dorsal and ventral vessel complete, and simple. Paired lateral vessel present, joining dorsal vessel in xiv, filiform.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB043A648FF20B089E67DB1DD.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Sparganophilus carveri sp. nov. superficially resembles S. pearsei and its subspecies, S. oconeeae sp. nov., S. muskogee sp. nov., S. jenkinsi sp. nov. and S. williamsae sp. nov., but S. carveri has a shorter clitellum (in xv – xxv), male pores in xxi, and tubercula pubertatis ending in xxi or xxii. Sparganophilus carveri is the one of two known species to have male pores in xxi, the second being Sparganophilus sp 09 described below.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB042A657FF20B0ADE203B131.taxon	description	urn: lsid: zoobank. org: act: ACF 38 BE 1 - 1938 - 4576 - 90 C 7 - 4 A 81 B 3 E 23541 Figures 7 A – C	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB042A657FF20B0ADE203B131.taxon	materials_examined	Holotype: GTIC- 11490; One adult, unnamed first order tributary to Falling Creek, Scull Shoals Experimental Forest, Greene Co., Georgia, USA. Coll. R. Carrera-Martínez, & M. K. Taylor, 14. JUL. 2017. (33.74306 ° N, 83.25230 ° W)	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB042A657FF20B0ADE203B131.taxon	etymology	Etymology: Named after Dr. Sonia Borges, pioneer of Caribbean earthworm taxonomy and who introduced the first author to the field.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB042A657FF20B0ADE203B131.taxon	diagnosis	Diagnosis: Length 75 mm. Dorsal pores rudimentary. Clitellum saddle-shaped in xv – xxvi, ventral limit in b. Tubercula pubertatis continuous in xvii – xxii, band-shaped, ventral limit dorsal to b. Setae closely paired: ab = cd, aa <bc <dd. Spermathecal pores in 6 / 7 – 8 / 9, inconspicuous. Pores of prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxiv. Secondary annulation absent. Genital tumescences surrounding ab weakly developed in xvii – xxv. Genital pad band-shaped in xxvi. Intestinal origin in ix. One pair of spermathecae per segment in vii – ix, spermathecal structure moderately differentiated into ampulla and duct, smooth, duct tubular, three times as long as the globular ampulla. Prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxiv and auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. First nephridia in xiii, tubular bladder, wide u-shaped vesicle.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB042A657FF20B0ADE203B131.taxon	description	Description: Length of unamputated preserved specimen 75 mm. Diameter in x 2.5 mm; in the clitellum, 3.3 mm. Number of segments, 184. Body ovoid in cross-section anteriorly, ventrally flattened at the clitellum, quadrangular in cross-section posterior to the clitellum. Preserved specimens with a pale whitish coloration, clitellum pale. Cuticle with a green and blue iridescence. Prostomium zygolobic. Dorsal pores rudimentary, discontinuous throughout. Spermathecal pores in intersegmental furrows 6 / 7 – 8 / 9, inconspicuous. Female pores in xiv, anterior to ab, minute but visible. Male pores lateral to b in xix, pre-setal, at the dorsal margin of tubercula pubertatis. Clitellum in xv – xxvi saddle-shaped, ventral limit in b. Tubercula pubertatis continuous xvii – xxii, band-shaped, ventral limit dorsal to setae line b. Prostate-like pores in xxiii – xxiv next to b. Nephridiopores anterior to ab, closer to a, starting in segment xiii, minute but visible. First setae in ii, lumbricine, setae closely paired. In x aa: ab: bc: cd: dd = 6.50: 1.00: 7.50: 1.00: 10.00, in xxx = 6.50: 1.00: 8.00: 1.00: 10.00. Secondary annulation absent. Genital tumescences surrounding ab in xvii – xxv, weakly developed. Genital pad band-shaped in xxvi extending to setal line b. Post-setal dark spots visible just ventral to c, in a regular line in i – xiv. One dorsal depression in the equator of peristomium. Septa 6 / 7 – 8 / 9 only slightly thickened. Pharynx ends in segment iv, joining a small esophagus. Intestine originates abruptly in ix. Intestinal caeca, typhlosole, calciferous glands, and gizzard absent. One pair of spermathecae in vii – ix, without diverticulum. Spermathecal structure moderately differentiated into ampulla and duct, all similar size. Duct about half the length of the ampulla, tubular, wide. Ampulla elongated, globular, rugose laterally, tip digitiform. Spermathecae located between a weak muscular fiber originated anteriorly in the intersegmental section of the esophagus and connecting posteriorly to the intersegmental-septum joint. Ovaries in xiii, free, string-like. Oviduct connects in segment xiv, anterior to a. Testes free in x and xi. Epididymis small. Seminal vesicles, free in xi, and xii, large and restricted to their segment. Vas deferens within muscular body wall. Tubular, prostate-like glands in xxiii – xxiv, long, slender, and coiled. Auxiliary prostate-like glands absent. One pair of holonephridia per segment, starting at xiii. Holonephridia tubular, bladder composed of highly coiled tubules dorsally, ventrally with a wide u-shaped vesicle, all same size. Holonephridia of xiv attached to 13 / 14 septa, without vesicle. Paired moniliform hearts in vii – xi; vii smaller than the rest. Dorsal and ventral vessel complete, and simple. Paired lateral vessel present, joining dorsal vessel in xiv, filiform.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
03A587FCB042A657FF20B0ADE203B131.taxon	discussion	Remarks: Sparganophilus borgesae sp. nov. differs from all other known Sparganophilus by having only two pairs of well-developed prostates in xxiii – xxiv, rudimentary dorsal pores, presence of a genital pad, and a dorsal pigmented pit on the equator of the prostomium. We decided to describe and name this species, despite having only a single specimen after a year of collection at this site. Furthermore, previous sampling efforts by Ikeda et al. (2020) in and around this area did not yield any match to this species, suggesting that S. borgesae might be a rare species. Given that no additional specimens were found, that 28 S, 16 S, and COI genetic distance are large and having distinct morphological differences, we followed Fragoso & Rojas (2019) recommendations on describing singleton earthworm species.	en	Carrera-Martínez, Roberto, Taylor, Melanie K., Jones, Daniel, Schoville, Sean D., Snyder, Bruce A., Callaham, Mac A. (2025): The unseen diversity of the semi-aquatic earthworms of the genus Sparganophilus (Oligochaeta: Sparganophilidae) from the Southeastern Appalachian Piedmont. Zootaxa 5589 (1): 382-409, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29, URL: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5589.1.29
