Re: Colour variation in Ercolania fuscata

April 26, 2001
From: Anna L. Bass

Hey,
When I first found these animals, I took them out and placed them in a smaller watch glass to examine them under a dissecting microscope. They proceeded to copulate fervently! Upon finding the larger and greener animal, I again removed the two color forms and placed them in a watch glass to facilitate photographing them. Once again they immediately starting copulating. I had hoped to get a photo of this steamy action, but couldn't get them in focus. I haven't noticed any egg masses, though, so Kathe's point regarding viability and fertility of offspring is still unanswered. I'll keep looking though. Bill, I have moved them all into the aerated tank, but haven't had a chance to look for the browner morphs. Your point is well taken and I would hesitate to call these separate species.
Regards from Florida,
Anna

abass@helios.acomp.usf.edu

Bass, A.L., 2001 (Apr 26) Re: Colour variation in Ercolania fuscata. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4238

Thanks Anna,
Isn't great studying live animals? I look forward to progress reports
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2001 (Apr 26). Comment on Re: Colour variation in Ercolania fuscata by Anna L. Bass. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/4238

Factsheet

Ercolania fuscata

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