Placida sp1 Sacoglossa Limapontiidae

Placida sp. 1

This species has been observed on Reunion Island

Order : Sacoglossa
Superfamily : Limapontioidea
Family : Limapontiidae
Distribution : Philippines, Hawai and Réunion.
Maximal size : 8 mm
Abundance :

Species characteristics :

Light green to creamish with dense dark green branches of the digestive gland and white spots on the cerata

The cerata are spindle shaped, often with constricted tips, and the branches of the digestive gland in their centers have short, irregular side branches.

Showing species characteristics...

Photo Christophe Cadet
Reunion, Etang Salé on the rocky coast, less 1 m, 13 March 2010, size : 2-3 mm

Remarks :

Looks like Placida sp. 1 in Nudibranch and Sea Slug Identification Gosliner, Valdés and Behrens, 2015
This species is part of the Placida dendritica complex. There are probably many regional species around the world being identified as this group, so I use the name of Placida sp. 1

Bibliographic data :

In Hawai "Although seldom seen due to it's small size and superb camouflage, Placida sp. 1 is a common species found on green algae of the genus Codium , particularly Codium edule . It occurs in moderately protected to moderately exposed locations at depths of < 1 to 2 m. It shows a diurnal activity pattern when held in dishes. We've observed it feeding on Codium edule and, when feeding, it flattens its cerata laterally against it's host."

References :

Seaslug of Hawai: Placida sp. 1
Sea Slug Forum Placida dendritica

Publications :

Alder, J.; Hancock, A. (1843). Notice on a British species of Calliopaea d'Orbigny and on four new species of Eolis with observations on the development and structure of the nudibranchiate mollusca. Annals and Magazine of Natural History.

Other photos of Placida sp. 1 :

Christophe Cadet

Reunion, Souris blanche lagoon, less 1 m, 21 April 2010, size : 2-3 mm

Of course on Codium sp