Phyllidia tula Marcus & Marcus, 1970

While this animal has some resemblance to Phyllidia madangensis, the single specimen was much larger. This animal most resembles the Phyllidia tula figured by Brunchkorst and on the web on the Sea Slug Forum. Unfortunately, the original description by Marcus & Marcus, 1970, is of a preserved specimen that was mostly lacking color. Still, they indicate that the big dorsal tubercles are surrounded by small warts, which can easily be seen in the photo below. It is possible that at least one of the animals we have listed under P. madangensis is in fact a smaller version of this species. This is another of the Mullerian mimics in the P. varicosa group.

Created 30 December 2006

Reference:

Marcus, E. & E. Marcus. 1970. Opisthobranch mollusks from the southern tropical Pacific. Pacific Science 24: 155-179.