Home Acknowledgments Conventions Glossary Maps References Links Articles Thumbnails Species list Family Next species _______________   Additional Photos   underside   head, detail   interior   light green   dark   violet   folded chimneys   young, 4 mm _______________   GALLERY	Elysia sp. #4   Maximum size:  14 mm. Identification:  This is a cryptic species with a translucent-cream body tinted brown by extensive branches of the digestive gland. The parapodia form two or three narrow chimneys that flare outward sharply near their apexes. The apexes of the chimneys are usually margined with bands of minute gray flecks. Rarely, the chimneys may have more elaborately folded margins. (Note 1) The head and parapodia are frosted with iridescent cream flecks that are irregularly distributed (though densest dorsally). The body and head are covered with low to moderately long, scattered papillae. The interior of the parapodia is decorated with iridescent green flecks and, rarely, the body may be violet or have violet patches. Natural history:  Elysia sp. #4 is moderately common. It occurs on moderately protected to exposed rocky bottoms as well as in Halimeda kanaloana beds in deeper, sandy habitats. We've recorded it from depths of < 1 to 12 m (< 3 to 39 ft). It appeared to feed on Halimeda discoidea and H. kanaloana in the laboratory but may not retain chloroplasts (based on lack of green color in most). Mature animals are usually nocturnally active and the parapodia are jerked occasionally while crawling. Distribution:  Big Island, Maui and Kauai. Taxonomic notes:  It was first recorded in Hawaii from Hekili Point, Maui by CP on Aug. 8, 1991. Photo:  CP: Whaler's Village, Maui; May 3, 2007. Observations and comments: Note 1:  The one clear example of this feature may be due to regeneration after an injury or disease rather than being within the typical range of variation.
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