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Additional Photos
underside
detail
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Odontoglaja sp. #1
Maximum size: 11 mm.
Identification:
This
species has a translucent cream body intricately patterned in
golden-yellow, sky blue, brown and white. (Note 1)
Natural history:
The
only known Odontoglaja
sp. #1 was found at a highly
exposed, rocky site at 1-6 m (3-20 ft). It showed a diurnal activity
pattern when
held in a dish.
Distribution:
Maui: widely distributed in the western & central Pacific.
Taxonomic notes:
It was first
recorded in Hawaii at Honanana, Maui by CP on July 8, 2005.
Photo: CP: 11
mm: Honanana, Maui; July 8, 2005.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: The blue spots on an orange-gold background aren't as precisely matched to the blue and gold ocelli found in the sea hares Stylocheilus
striatus and Phycohila euchlora as are the markings in some other possible mimics.
But, perhaps they are close enough so that Odontoglaja
sp. #1 is
still deriving some benefit from the resemblance (since the sea hares
are known to concentrate toxins from the cyanobacteria they eat)?
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