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Additional Photos
white
head, side
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Bosellia sp. #1
Maximum size: about 9 mm.
Identification:
This is a bright green species variably mottled with white and,
occasionally, with a pinkish tinge on the edge of the body behind the
head.
The body is highly flattened and the rhinophores are short. It may be
distinguished from the similar appearing Elysia
pusilla by its lack of
parapodia that meet in the center of the notum.
Natural history:
This is a rare
species known from only six animals. Five were found on Maui in 1999 at depths of
less < 1 m (< 3 ft). They were collected on accretion platforms
and
in back
reef areas that were moderately protected to moderately exposed. The Kauai animal was found at 12 m (40 ft). When
held in dishes, the Maui animals showed a diurnal activity pattern and were
observed
feeding on Halimeda discoidea.
It lays a circular egg mass composed of a tightly coiled, yellow
ribbon. The ribbon is only one or two eggs in width with a row of
lemon-yellow "dashes" of superficial pigment running along its upper
surface. (Note 1)
Distribution:
Maui and Kauai: also known from southern Japan.
Taxonomic notes:
It was first recorded in Hawaii from Hekili Point, Maui by CP on April 21,
1999.
Photo: PF:
found by CP; Hekili Point, Maui; April, 1999.
Observations and comments:
Note
1: A 7 mm animal collected on April
26, 1999 was held in a dish and fed Halimeda
discoidea. It laid three egg masses over a 9 day period. The
first mass was 2.5 mm in diameter with 12 whorls. The second had 10
whorls and the third had 8 whorls.
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