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Additional Photos
2nd view
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Ercolania sp. #8
Maximum size: 9 mm.
Identification:
This species has a cream body with extensive green branches of the
digestive gland. The finer branches in the cerata are darker than the
central ones and the
cerata and rhinophores are decorated with white flecks. The rhinophores
have shelf-like lateral expansions at their bases and there is brown
pigment on the outer edges of the "shelves," on the top of the head and
on the
mid-dorsum.
Natural history:
The one known
animal was found just off the beach in a
moderately protected rocky area with extensive patches of Boodlea composita. It was
subsequently observed feeding on B.
composita while held in a dish and showed a diurnal activity
pattern. It laid a cream, "s-shaped" egg mass about 3 mm long with a 1
mm thick ribbon. The eggs hatched in about four days in the laboratory.
Distribution:
Maui.
Taxonomic notes:
It was first recorded in Hawaii from Hekili Point, Maui by CP on April 21,
1999.
Photo: PF: 9
mm: found by CP; Hekili Point, Maui; April 21, 1999.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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