Elysia sp. 4

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This species has been observed on Reunion Island


Order : Sacoglossa
Superfamily : Plakobranchoidea
Family : Plakobranchidae
Distribution : Reunion and ...
Maximal size : 5 mm
Abundance : Seldom if ever on the lagoon


Species characteristics :

This species have a slightly papillate appearance

A mottled green body with large white spots and smaller black ones. The large white spots, corresponding to the position of papillae are scattered on the external surface of the parapodia

The rhinophores have a dark purple tip

The parapodial margins are white

Elysia sp4
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Photo Christophe Cadet
Reunion, Trou d'eau, less 1 m, 27 September 2010, size : 4-5 mm

See more about : Sightening and mating periods

Remarks :

Identification confirmed by Kathe Jensen
    According Kathe Jensen :" I don't think Elysia sp. 4 is E. verrucosa, which does not have colored bands on the rhinophores, and also the front of the head looks different. There are so many black-spotted Elysia species that I don't want to make a guess"

Bibliographic data :

Between the rhinophores, the upper surface of the head is white.
    The rhinophores are externally like the rest of the body, internally white and have a dark purple tip

Other photos of Elysia sp. 4 :

Christophe Cadet

Reunion, Trou d'eau, less 1 m, 27 September 2010, size : 4-5 mm

Head details :

- The rhinophores are externally (a) like the rest of the body, internally (b) white and have a dark purple tip (c)

- Between the rhinophores, the upper surface of the head is white (d).

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