Re: Dirona picta from California

February 18, 2008
From: Dave Washburn

Concerning message #5233:

We found this white version of Dirona picta in Monterey Bay on 22 January 2008. We were following the big pipe that leads out to the Metridium field and spotted him right on the pipe itself. We had no idea what he was, a friend had to consult Dave Behrens directly to get the ID.

Locality: Monterey Bay, 25 feet, California, USA, Pacific Ocean, 22 January 2008, On an old cannery discharge pipe. Length: 1.5 inches. Photographer: Dave & Malinda Washburn.

Dave Washburn

dwashbur@nyx.net

David L. Washburn, 2008 (Feb 18) Re: Dirona picta from California. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21349

Dear Dave,

Yes indeed. This species is highly variable in color, coming in white, tan, golden brown, grey and even a green variant. The really characteristic feature about this Dirona is the tuberculate cerata. Bill has provided us some close-ups showing this detail. Note that some of the tubercules are even bifid. These can be seen along the edge of the spatulate shaped cerata.

Good show,
Dave Behrens

Behrens, D.W., 2008 (Feb 18). Comment on Re: Dirona picta from California by Dave Washburn. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/21349

Factsheet

Dirona picta

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