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Eratoena sandwichensis (G. B. Sowerby II, 1859)
 
Eratoena sandwichensis
Maximum size:  5.2 mm shell length.

Identification:  In mature animals the mantle is cream intricately patterned with brown, white, gold and blue. The body is translucent-cream flecked with yellow and orange. Shells are white with diffuse brown banding. Size at maturity is variable (4-5.2 mm shell length).

Natural history:  Eratoena sandwichensis is a moderately common species found in rocky habitats and in Halimeda kanaloana beds.

Distribution:  Big Island, Maui and Oahu: widely distributed in the Indo-Pacific.

Taxonomic notes:  It's listed in Kay, 1979, as Erato sandwicensis and in Severns, 2011 as Sulcerato sandwichensis.

Photo:  CP: near McGregor Point; Maui; Nov. 29, 2010.

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 Eratoena sandwichensis 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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