Aeolidia papillosa

Photo 1: Aeolidia papillosa

 

Photo by Steve Gardner, La Jolla, California.  Used with permission.

 

Specimen seen at Fox Island, Gig Harbor, Washington and Argyle Creek, San Juan Island, Washington.

Aeolidia papillosa

 

•Suborder:  Aeolidacea

 

•Family:  Aeolidiidae

 

Diet:  Sea Anemones.  Incorporates anemone nematocysts into cerata structures as a defensive measure

 

Size:  Up to 7 cm

 

Habitat: Found in intertidal zone up to 670 m deep. Prefers protected rocky shores, sandy beaches and eel grass beds.

 

Range:  On the North Pacific Coast -- Alaska to California.  Found worldwide in temperate and cold marine waters

 

(Behrens 1991, Sept 1999)