Trapania from Caribbean
July 16, 2007
From: Ellen Muller
Hi Bill,
I have found what is apparently a new species of Trapania. These photos have been seen by Angel Valdes, Dave Behrens and Anne DuPont, co-authors of the book Caribbean Sea Slugs and having reviewed everything known from the Caribbean in the preparation of their book, they have never seen this species.
In two of the photos you can clearly see the entoprocts or kamptozoans that the Trapania is feeding on.
Location. Bonaire, Netherlands Antilles, Caribbean Sea. Size: 5 mm to 25 mm. Depth: 6 m to 10 m. 01 June 2007 - 25 June 2007. All specimens were found on brown bowl sponges (Cribrochalina vasculum?) Photos: Ellen Muller.
Best regards,
Ellen Muller
http://www.pbase.com/imagine/trapania
ellen@imaginebonaire.com
Dear Ellen,
Thanks very sending these photos. It certainly is something I have not seen before. I am glad you were able to photograph it with its kamptozoan prey. Now that we know what we need to look for, it seems strange that only a few years ago we had no idea what Trapania ate - except for the suggestion that it ate sponges. I know it is dangerous to suggest 'reasons' for colour patterns, but I am struck with the way the lateral papillae in this species are transparent, except for scattered black spots, which are very similar in size to those of the kamptozoans. Their transparency and the spots certainly comply with a primary rule of camouflage - which is to disguise and break up your outline.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman
