Platydoris argo (Linnaeus, 1767)

Description

A medium-sized to large oval dorid reaching well over 100 mm. Body firm and dorsoventrally flattened, hence the genus name Platydoris ("flat dorid"), with a smooth, vivid crimson dorsum. Two short retractile rhinophores emerge through anterior pockets of the mantle, and the posterior gill ring sits in a pocket of its own.

Distribution

Mediterranean Sea, especially the western basin, and the adjoining northwest African coast.

Etymology

The specific epithet argo, used as a noun in apposition, is taken from Bohadsch, who in his 1761 work De quibusdam animalibus marinis first illustrated and named this animal "Argo". The name evokes the Argo, the mythological ship of Jason in Greek tradition.

Remarks

The original description is based on a Mediterranean specimen figured by Bohadsch.

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References

• Doris Argo, Linnaeus C. (1767). Systema naturae per regna tria naturae: secundum classes, ordines, genera, species, cum characteribus, differentiis, synonymis, locis. Editio duodecima reformata. Vol. 1 (Regnum Animale), parts 1 & 2. Laurentius Salvius, Holmiae (Stockholm). 1327 pp.