Elysia timida
Israel · Mediterranean
- Size
- 5–10 mm
- Depth
- 0–5 m
- Native range
- Mediterranean Sea and nearby eastern Atlantic (Portugal, Canary Islands, Madeira, Azores).
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Description
A small Mediterranean sacoglossan and the type species of Elysia. It is a well-known 'solar-powered' slug: chloroplasts taken from its algal food stay functional in its digestive cells for months. When disturbed it closes its parapodia over its back, hence the name 'timid'.
Share link: https://seaslugs.org.il/species/elysia-timida-israel-mediterranean/
Identification
Pale green to whitish body with dense white pigment and scattered red or orange spots on the parapodia, head and rhinophores. Thick, upright parapodial flaps, often held closed over the back.
Similar species
Elysia viridis is greener and usually lacks the red spots; Thuridilla hopei is dark blue with orange and white lines.
Habitat & diet
Habitat
Sunlit shallow rocky bottoms with Acetabularia; usually 0–5 m, most often 1–2 m.
Food
Mainly the green alga Acetabularia acetabulum (spring–summer); also Padina pavonia in autumn.