H. bullocki 'colour forms' mating

May 1, 2002
From: Erwin Koehler

Hi Bill,
I think I found on the web what you are looking for: 2 different colour forms of Hypselodoris bullocki mating. Phil Slosberg shows it at
http://www.cybereef.com/opisthobranch_site/refpages/3002-06-10LG.htm.

It has the caption: Hypselodoris bullockii, enlarged view mating pair of two color variations. Lembeh Straits, Sulawesi, Indonesia. PHOTO: Phil Slosberg.

Cheers,
Erwin

Erwin@medslugs.de

Koehler, E., 2002 (May 1) H. bullocki 'colour forms' mating. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/6816

Dear Erwin,
Thanks for drawing my attention to this photo. I have contacted Phil Slosberg who has given me permission to post a copy on the Forum. I asked him if the photo was 'posed' or 'natural' and he replied:
"As to background, this was a pair that I just happened to come upon in flagrante delicto nudibranchio. It is the first and only pair of such divergent color variation and size that I have ever encountered. I would assume it to mean that since they mate, they are color variations of the same species rather than different species, but I would be very interested to hear your more learned views on the matter". .. Phil Slosberg

This is a rather interesting photo as it certainly raises the question of how we define a 'species'. This is not a close 'look' at each other, or even an exploratory 'jab' with the penis. This appears to be two animals mating. As Clay Carlson notes in a separate message, this white bordered colour form has recently been named as a new species. This photo certainly gives us something to think about.
Best wishes,
Bill Rudman

Rudman, W.B., 2002 (May 1). Comment on H. bullocki 'colour forms' mating by Erwin Koehler. [Message in] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney. Available from http://www.seaslugforum.net/find/6816

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Hypselodoris bullocki - Page 3

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