Ercolania sp. #7

This is another tiny sacoglossan that blends in extremely well with its food source, making it almost impossible to see. A member of the Limapontiidae family meaning it is closely related to Placida barackobamae, and the costaciellas (leaf sheep).  These are extremely tiny sea slugs (to 6mm).  One individual below was found making its way across the algae and then instantly creating a defensive cocoon around itself as it attempted to hide. Though rare, we found numerous individuals in the late winter of 2024 during an algae bloom in North Kihei and Olowalu.  For more information and photos see Sea Slugs of Hawaii.

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