Colour variation in Hypselodoris maculosa

March 26, 2000
From: Scott Johnson

Hi Bill,

Attached are some of the forms of Hypselodoris maculosa found in the Marshall Islands. The smaller specimens (less than 10mm) E067-10 and E017-10 [lower photos]look similar to a couple of the Hypselodoris cf. maculosa pictured on the site. Specimens here vary from red to purple dorsal spots, and from one (in young animals) to three bands on the rhinophores. I admit I still keep these animals split up under two species numbers, one of which tends to have purple spots and two rhinophore bands, and the other with more reddish or reddish violet spots and three rhinophore bands. There is some overlap and I agree they are probably the same. However, I keep them separate because whenever I find them paired, it is always like individuals that are paired up (as in E067-11 , on a nearly eaten out sponge colony), and that's kept me suspicious that these could be more than simply color forms. I've been burned before by failing to notice that what I was treating as a single species was really two.

Scott

johnson@kmr.ll.mit.edu

Johnson, S., 2000 (Mar 26) Colour variation in Hypselodoris maculosa. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/2154

Dear Scott,
Thanks for the photos of variation. i tried to match number of red bands on rhinophores without any success but I agree it's worth keeping specimens well enough documented to be able to go back and check if someone discovers a good character.

I have posted some of your photos, including the egg ribbon one and the sponge-feeding one on a separate page to avoid having to make them too small.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 2000 (Mar 26). Comment on Colour variation in Hypselodoris maculosa by Scott Johnson. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/2154

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Hypselodoris maculosa

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