Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   top   group	Ercolania sp. #3   Maximum size:  3 mm. Identification:  This species has a translucent cream body flecked with white. The branches of the digestive gland in the cerata are yellowish-green with blunt side-branches. Green branches of the digestive gland extend forward along the sides of the head and into the bases of the rhinophores. The cerata are moderately inflated and tapered. White flecks are concentrated in the tips of the cerata, along the sides of the head and in the tips of the rhinophores. Natural history:  Ercolania sp. #3 is a rare species on Maui known from only two animals: one found in a moderately exposed rocky habitat at less than 2 m (6 ft), the other found in a  Halimeda kanaloana bed at a depth of 33.5 m (110 ft). However, recently dozens were found on the Big Island. (Note 1). A 3 mm animal laid a slightly arced, sausage-shaped, yellow egg mass 2.5 mm in length by 0.7 mm thick. Distribution:  Big Island and Maui. Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii from Makena, Maui by PF on May 16, 1995. There's some chance that these animals may be young Ercolania sp. #7. Photo:  PF: 3 mm: Makena, Maui; May 16, 1995. Observations and comments: Note 1:  The animals that Pam Madden and Ryan Boerema found on the Big Island seem closer to this species that to Ercolania sp. #7. But, the difference is subtle and they may ultimately be lumped...
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