_______________
Additional Photos
top
side
underside
front
|
Elysia sp. #12
Maximum size: 4 mm.
Identification:
This species is translucent cream with white flecks, scattered violet
ocelli with orange centers and iridescent orange flecks. Green branches
of the digestive gland show through the body wall and the parapodia have
two chimneys, the anterior one higher. Branches of the digestive
gland are concentrated on the medial faces of the rhinophores and there
may be violet pigment on their tips (sometimes asymmetrically expressed). There are faint white scallops on
the sides of the parapodia in some animals. The eye spots are better
developed than in most Elysia spp, extending downward into the underlying tissue as lozenge-shaped masses.
Natural history:
Elysia sp. #12 is a rare
species. The four known animals were found in moderately exposed to exposed rocky
habitats at depths of 1-9 m (3-30 ft). When held, they showed
unusually
strong positive phototaxis.
Distribution:
Maui and Kauai.
Taxonomic notes:
It was first
recorded in Hawaii from Hekili Point, Maui by CP on March 30,
2002.
Photo: CP:
2.8 mm: Honokohau, Maui; Aug. 6, 2002.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: The lozenge-shaped, "three
dimensional" eye spots that are partially shaded dorsally by white
pigment (in all four animals) hint at a relatively complex use of
visual cues by this species. The unusually strong positive phototaxis
observed in dishes also supports that suggestion.
|
|
