Hypselodoris apolegma mating

October 20, 2005
From: Mary Jane Adams

Hi Bill,
I found this trio of  "Hypselodoris apolegma" on a divesite with a heavy population of variously colored Hypselodoris bullocki. I have seen this situation where two slugs are mating and a third is trying to join in so often that it makes me wonder if there is a chemical exuded during mating that is a strong attractant to other slugs that may be in the area. The two that were mating were positioned in a way that allowed me to get a close-up view of the copulatory organs.

Locality:  T.K. 2, Lembeh Strait, Sulawesi Indonesia. Depth: 8 meters. Length: About 30 mm. 8 June 2005. Sand slope with patch reef. Photographer: M.J. Adams

I have been looking everywhere for "Hypselodoris apolegma " mating with another 'species', but so far I haven't seen any.

Best regards,
Mary Jane

divepng@yahoo.com

Adams, M.J., 2005 (Oct 20) Hypselodoris apolegma mating. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15038

Dear Mary Jane,
I agree that finding a mate and mating are almost certainly done by chemical signals. Mind you, looking at the unsuccessful 3rd animal in your close-up photo, which is trying to mate with the top animal's rhinophore, suggests touch may be involved as well.

Concerning "Hypselodoris apolegma" mating with another 'species', I'm afraid Phil Slosberg's photo [#6816] has yet to be replicated.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2005 (Oct 20). Comment on Hypselodoris apolegma mating by Mary Jane Adams. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/15038

Factsheet

Hypselodoris apolegma

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