{{Short description|Species of bivalve}} {{Speciesbox | image = | status = G1 | status_system = TNC | status_ref = <ref name=NS>{{cite NatureServe |id=2.1370038 |title=''Ligodonta obscura'' |access-date=28 December 2025}}</ref> | genus = Ligodonta | parent_authority = M. Perkins, DeVilbiss & Whelan, 2025 | species = obscura | authority = M. Perkins, DeVilbiss & Whelan, 2025 | synonyms = }}
'''''Ligodonta obscura''''', the '''solstice creekmussel''', is a [[species]] of [[freshwater mussel]] in the family [[Unionidae]]. It is the [[Monotypic taxon|only member]] of the genus '''''Ligodonta'''''. The species is only known to live in [[Randolph County, North Carolina|Randolph County]], [[North Carolina]] in the [[Little River (Pee Dee River tributary)|Little River]].
== Etymology == The genus name ''Ligodonta'' comes from the Greek ligo-, meaning little, and -donta, meaning tooth. The species name obscura comes from the English word obscure in reference to its ability to evade discovery until 2025. The common name solstice creekmussel is named after its reproductive period centered around the winter solstice.<ref name="discovery">{{cite journal |last1=Perkins |first1=Michael A. |last2=DeVilbiss |first2=Katharine L. |last3=Whelan |first3=Nathan V. |last4=Hoch |first4=Rachael A. |last5=Jones |first5=Brena K. |last6=Mays |first6=Jason W. |last7=Evans |first7=Heather K. |last8=Benfield |first8=Sierra B. |title=A new endemic freshwater mussel (Bivalvia, Unionidae) genus and species, Ligodonta obscura, from the Yadkin-Pee Dee River drainage in North Carolina, USA |journal=ZooKeys |date=7 August 2025 |issue=1248 |pages=245–265 |doi=10.3897/zookeys.1248.152952 |pmid=40823544 |pmc=12355189 |bibcode=2025ZooK.1248..245P |doi-access=free }}</ref>
== Discovery == The mussel was first found during a routine mussel survey on the Little River.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gracia |first1=Celeste |title=Biologists discover new mussel only found in one NC stream |url=https://www.wunc.org/environment/2025-10-22/biologists-discover-new-mussel-nc-asheboro-little-river?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_raleigh&stream=top |publisher=WUNC |access-date=27 October 2025}}</ref> Genetic testing revealed the species was unique and additional surveys were conducted to collect more individuals. The research culminated in a paper by Michael A. Perkins, Katharine L. DeVilbiss, Nathan V. Whelan, Rachael A. Hoch, Brena K. Jones, Jason W. Mays, Heather K. Evans, and Sierra B. Benfield published August 7, 2025 that described the new genus and species.<ref name="discovery" />
== Taxonomy == Phylogenetic results place ''Ligodonta'' as a sister to [[Alasmidonta]] within the family [[Unionidae]].<ref name="discovery" />
== Distribution == In contemporary surveys, ''Ligodonta obscura'' has been found exclusively within the mainstream of the [[Little River (Pee Dee River tributary)|Little River]] in [[Randolph County, North Carolina|Randolph County]], [[North Carolina]]. However, it is possible that the species could exist in additional waters.<ref name="discovery" />
== References == {{Reflist}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q136652942}}
[[Category:Unionidae]] [[Category:Molluscs described in 2025]] [[Category:Monotypic bivalve genera]] [[Category:Endemic molluscs of the United States]] [[Category:Biota of North Carolina]]