Elysia flavomacula K. R. Jensen, 1990

Description

A small sacoglossan (family Plakobranchidae) with a flattened body and a pair of wing-like parapodia. The body is greenish with conspicuous yellow spots scattered across the surface — the colour pattern reflected in the specific epithet. Feeds on green algae and sequesters chloroplasts to maintain photosynthesis for a time.

Distribution

Originally described from the waters around Hong Kong. Subsequent records extend across the western Pacific, including Japan and Korea.

Etymology

The specific epithet flavomacula combines the Latin flavus ("yellow") and macula ("spot"), in reference to the yellow spots on the body.

Remarks

Korean material was at one point treated as a synonym of Elysia atroviridis, indicating that the taxonomic status of this species merits further review.

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References

• Elysia flavomacula n. sp., Jensen K.R. (1990). Three new species of Ascoglossa (Mollusca, Opisthobranchia) from Hong Kong, and a description of the internal anatomy of Costasiella pallida Jensen, 1985. In: Morton B. (ed.), The Marine Flora and Fauna of Hong Kong and Southern China. Proceedings of the Second International Marine Biological Workshop. Vol. 1. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press. pp. 419-432.