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Additional Photos
underside
side
pale
young, 4 mm
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GALLERY
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Elysia nealae Ostergaard, 1955
Maximum size: 31 mm.
Identification:
This
species is mottled in light and dark green with white flecks. The
parapodia are
low,
meeting in many folds, and there are fine papillae that vary in
prominence. The background color ranges from pale to intense green,
presumably due to diet.
Natural history:
Elysia nealae is a
moderately common species found on rocky bottoms (particularly in back
reef areas) at depths of
1-2 m (3-6 ft). It occurs at
moderately protected to
moderately exposed sites. It
is rare at depths of 2-9 m (6-30 ft). Mature animals are
nocturnally active.
Distribution: Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kauai: also known from Japan, Guam and Palmyra Atoll.
Taxonomic notes:
It
was first recorded in Hawaii from Waikiki, Oahu on Nov. 24, 1923 by Marie C. Neal and is named after her. (Ostergaard, 1955)
Photo: CP: 25
mm: Hekili Point, Maui; Nov. 20, 2006.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: ( )
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