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white
 

head, side



 
Bosellia
sp. #1
 
Bosellia sp. #1
Maximum size:  about 9 mm.

Identification:  This is a bright green species variably mottled with white and, occasionally, with a pinkish tinge on the edge of the body behind the head. The body is highly flattened and the rhinophores are short. It may be distinguished from the similar appearing Elysia pusilla by its lack of parapodia that meet in the center of the notum.

Natural history:  This is a rare species known from only six animals. Five were found on Maui in 1999 at depths of less < 1 m (< 3 ft). They were collected on accretion platforms and in back reef areas that were moderately protected to moderately exposed. The Kauai animal was found at 12 m (40 ft). When held in dishes, the Maui animals showed a diurnal activity pattern and were observed feeding on Halimeda discoidea. It lays a circular egg mass composed of a tightly coiled, yellow ribbon. The ribbon is only one or two eggs in width with a row of lemon-yellow "dashes" of superficial pigment running along its upper surface. (Note 1)

Distribution:  Maui and Kauai: also known from southern Japan.

Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii from Hekili Point, Maui by CP on April 21, 1999.

Photo:  PF: found by CP; Hekili Point, Maui; April, 1999.

Observations and comments:

Note 1:  A 7 mm animal collected on April 26, 1999 was held in a dish and fed Halimeda discoidea. It laid three egg masses over a 9 day period. The first mass was 2.5 mm in diameter with 12 whorls. The second had 10 whorls and the third had 8 whorls.
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