Another internal cell feeding Ercolania

March 9, 2000
From: C. Carlson & P.J. Hoff


Note added 13 September 2007: This has been named Ercolania kencolesi. See message #20708.

Bill,

Following your message about Ercolania endophytophaga here is an example (unidentified as far as we know) of another Ercolania that is found in the cells of a Valonia-like algae.

El05 6.5mm; Guam, Bile Bay, small boat channel; 18 May 1970. [in situ]

What is remarkable is that the animal can move in and out of the cells without deflating them. Host is Boergesenia forbesii.

Clay & Patty Jo
Merizo, Guam

clay.carlson@kuentos.guam.net

Carlson, C. & Hoff, P.J. , 2000 (Mar 9) Another internal cell feeding Ercolania. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/2057

Dear Clay & Patty Jo,
Some of these animals are quite amazing. But I must say they are difficult to find. After Ian Loch found specimens of Ercolania endophytophaga in Valonia some years ago, we regularly demolished every plant we saw for years afterwards, trying to find some more, without success.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 2000 (Mar 9). Comment on Another internal cell feeding Ercolania by C. Carlson & P.J. Hoff . [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/2057

Factsheet

Ercolania kencolesi

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