 |
Olea hansineensis
Images courtesy of Jan KocianLangely Harbor, Whidbey Island, Wshington
 |
Olea hansineensis Agersborg, 1923 Not at all common, this tiny sacoglossid has had a population explosion in the Pacific Northwest this year. When found by some sharp eyed slug-o-phile, it resides by the hundreds if not thousands per square meter. Appearing like an aeolid or a Doto because of it few cerata, it is often misidentified, if you can even see it at all. It is an egg eater, feeding on heterobranch eggs, in Jan's case here on the eggs of Gastropteron pacificum. You can see from Jan's photo of a group of egg masses to the left, just how tiny this species is. Being a Sacoglossid it punctures the egg with its single rachidian tooth and sucks out the contents, hence the vernacular name of the group - sap sucking slugs. This species geographical distribution ranges from Alaska to San Clemente Island, California. Images courtesy of Jan Kocian New Braunfels, TX Apr., 2023 Send Dave email at davidwbehrens@gmail.com |
Washington to Texas
|
WEBMASTER'S NOTES : As most of you know, Jan has been a prolific contributor to the Slug Site! Jan combines his skills as an underwater photographer/naturalist with cartoon artistry that is unmatched in my humble opinion. Jan is the prototype of the "citizen scientist", a moniker many of us aspire to but few have achieved! Jan is a very keen observer of life in the waters around Whidbey Island, Washington. Rainy weather and cold water are his constant companions in his quest to unravel the many mysteries of his ocean realm! Our hats are truly off to you Jan in recognition of your many contributions to better understand nature as we know it in the many communities that abound in its water world!
|
 | May 2023 - Nudibranch Festival MAY 10-20, 2023 Citizen Science Nudibranch Workshop with special guests Dr. Terry Gosliner, senior curator of invertebrate zoology and geology from the California Academy of Sciences and Jim Anerson, well known Webmaster of Nudibranch.org. Diving and learning wrapped into one complete workshop. Join us as we attempt to break records searching for new species of Nudibranchs and sea slugs. Learn natural history of Nudibranchs, photo coaching and plan to have fun. Send Mike Bartick email at Saltwaterphoto@live.com for reservation information. |
