Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   top   underside   protoconch   bright   on black   feeding   secretion   shell	Berthelinia pseudochloris Kay, 1964a   Maximum size:  8 mm. Identification:  This species is strongly laterally compressed (in contrast to the Julia spp.). It has a nearly transparent yellow-white shell with a curved dorsal margin and the animal is green, flecked with white. A variable pattern of blue-white lines and patches shows through the shell. (Note 1) Natural history:  Berthelinia pseudochloris is a rare species found in moderately exposed to highly exposed rocky areas on algae of the genus Caulerpa on which it feeds. (Note 2) The five animals we've seen were at depths of < 1 to 3 m (< 3 to 10 ft). Like some other sacoglossids, it releases a milky secretion when disturbed. Distribution:  Maui, Oahu, Kauai and French Frigate Shoals. Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii from Koloa, Kauai by Allison Kay on Nov. 25, 1961. (Kay, 1964b) Photo:  CP: 6 mm: found by PF; Honokowai Beach Park, Maui; Oct. 9, 2010. Observations and comments: Note 1:  Shells of this species show weak to moderate red fluorescence under ultraviolet light (395 nM). Note 2:  On June 13, 2013 we observed a large animal feeding on a small form of Caulerpa racemosa(?) in a holding dish. It had previously ignored a small piece of Caulerpa serrulata.
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