We were busy doing some surveys at low tide tonight (24 November 2018), but I couldn't resist taking a picture of this beautiful Moonglow Anemone (Anthopleura artemisia):
Yes, the anemone was relatively small, I would estimate ~2.5 cm (~1 inch) across.
Hmmm. This anemone is often called the "Moonglow Anemone," but I don't recall hearing the story behind that name. The specific epithet -- artemisia -- appears to refer to Artemis, the Greek Goddess of many things, including the Moon. The anemone is beautifully colored and patterned, but I'm not sure where the "glow" portion of the name comes from. I'll have to do some asking around to see if I can find out more.
Good find! Incredibly beautiful and I'm guessing small, 5 cm?? Is there really a moonlight association?
ReplyDeleteThanks!
ReplyDeleteYes, the anemone was relatively small, I would estimate ~2.5 cm (~1 inch) across.
Hmmm. This anemone is often called the "Moonglow Anemone," but I don't recall hearing the story behind that name. The specific epithet -- artemisia -- appears to refer to Artemis, the Greek Goddess of many things, including the Moon. The anemone is beautifully colored and patterned, but I'm not sure where the "glow" portion of the name comes from. I'll have to do some asking around to see if I can find out more.
:) Jackie