Slugs that squirt ink

November 25, 1999
From: Orso Angulo Campillo

Dr. Rudman.
I been working with slugs for 5 years now, and I have seen many times in the tide pools how the Aplysia when it is molested throws ink. But I wonder if Dolabella also can expel some ink as Aplysia does, and it does do you have any reference about it.

Thanks,

Orso Angulo

mol@lapaz.cromwell.com.mx

Campillo, O.A., 1999 (Nov 25) Slugs that squirt ink. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/1589

Dear Orso Angulo,

Yes Dolabella auricularia produces purple ink. Have a look at the page on that species and the accompanying messages to find some information about its biology. There is also a page of Dolabella references. If you haven't visited the Forum before you will find that on every page there are relevant messages arranged in chronological order beneath the photos and information at the top of the page. Check these messages as there is a lot of relevant information. For example, if you look underneath my answer you will find a number of messages referring to chemical defence.

Also have a look at the page on Sea hares - Attack & Defence for information on Sea Hare ink. There is also a page of references on Sea hares - Chemical Defence.

From your email address I guess you are working in Mexico? If you would like to tell us what you are doing with Sea Slugs I am sure other visitors to the Forum would be very interested.

Best wishes,
Bill Rudman.

Rudman, W.B., 1999 (Nov 25). Comment on Slugs that squirt ink by Orso Angulo Campillo. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/1589

Factsheet

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