During a field trip to Tomales Bay on 17 August 2023, Melissa spotted this small yellowish-green sea hare crawling on some eelgrass (Zostera marina). At first I wasn't sure about the identity of this sea hare, but after looking more closely I believe it's a Hedgpeth's Sea Hare (Elysia hedgpethi). (Those small bright blue spots helped with the i.d.)
I've mostly encountered this species on rocky shores where they are a deep green color (see "Not a flatworm!" on 25 June 2013 and "Magic cape" on 17 August 2022). So the paler "blonde" color was confusing until I read that this species can be yellowish or brownish, too. Is the color driven by what they are eating? Or related to the condition of the chloroplasts they ingest?
Eric was able to get a few nice video clips, too, so check out the video below. Watch for the rolled rhinophores, the two dark eye spots behind the rhinophores, the wide flaps held upright on either side of the body, and the scattered blue spots. [If you can't see the video player in your e-mail, click on the title of the post above to watch the video on the NHBH website.]
Many thanks to Melissa for spotting this sea hare and to Eric for putting together the video!
What an interesting and beautiful critter!
ReplyDeleteIs Dr. Joel Hedgpeth the "hedgpeth" in its name? I knew him when I was in high school (decades and decades ago.) He was such an extraordinary guy - a major influence on my thinking at that crucial time of my life.
Hi, Alice!
ReplyDeleteJust to be sure, I double-checked the original species description, which says that this sea hare "is named for Dr. Joel Hedgpeth, Director of the Pacific Marine Station."
And for folks who don't know, the Pacific Marine Station was an active marine lab at Dillon Beach from ~1948-1978.
Jackie
Thank you for checking on that, Jackie!
ReplyDelete