Kauaʻi record · KCA-WOI-00084
Pygospio muscularis
Open this record in the interactive Atlas
About Pygospio muscularis
Pygospio muscularis is a small spionid worm described from Hawaiian shallow-water sand and coral-rubble habitats by Linda A. Ward in 1981. The cited EPA monitoring source documents a Kauaʻi record from 2002; current abundance and persistence have not been reassessed.
Its paired feeding palps gather surface particles. Ward describes a distinctively muscular enlarged eighth setiger, strap-like branchiae limited to anterior and middle segments, and a cup-shaped pygidium with a dorsal notch. The plate is an AI-generated whole-organism illustration rather than a specimen photograph.
Names and classification
- Scientific name
- Pygospio muscularis
- Family
- Spionidae
Kauaʻi occurrence and status
- Kauaʻi occurrence
- Documented source record (2002)
- Origin
- Origin not yet resolved
- Conservation status
- Not assessed
Process and seasonal context
- Seasonal description
- Pygospio muscularis is documented in a Kauaʻi source record. Kauaʻi column has a non-zero occurrence in EPA Table 3.3-1; source name retained pending current taxonomy review. Current accepted-name reconciliation remains open where needed.
Sources and further reading
- Nelson, W.G., R. Brock, H. Lee II, J.O. Lamberson & F. Cole. 2007. Condition of Estuaries and Bays of Hawaii for 2002: A Statistical Summary. U.S. EPA, EPA/620-R-07/001. — Table 3.3-1
- 2026 registry/literature cross-check
- Morphology reference consulted for Atlas reconstruction
- Ward 1981 · original species diagnosis