Rostanga arbutus
Rostanga arbutus is a species of sea slug, a dorid nudibranch, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Discodorididae.
| Rostanga arbutus | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Mollusca |
| Class: | Gastropoda |
| Subclass: | Heterobranchia |
| Order: | Nudibranchia |
| Suborder: | Doridina |
| Superfamily: | Doridoidea |
| Family: | Discodorididae |
| Genus: | Rostanga |
| Species: | R. arbutus |
| Binomial name | |
| Rostanga arbutus | |
Distribution
This species was described from New South Wales, Australia. It was thought to be widely distributed, but this was due to confusion with other species. [2]
Description
This dorid nudibranch is bright orange to reddish-orange in colour, and the dorsum is covered with caryophyllidia. It is very similar to other species of Rostanga, but it is distinguished by a series of white markings, the mantle glands, which are just inside the mantle edge.[2][3]
Ecology
This species is found mostly in the intertidal zone on the red sponge, Ophlitaspongia aceratoobtusa (family Microcionidae) on which it presumably feeds.[2] Most other species of Rostanga also feed on sponges of the family Microcionidae.
References
- Angas, G.F. (1864) Description d'espèces nouvelles appartenant à plusieurs genres de Mollusques Nudibranches des environs de Port-Jackson (Nouvelle-Galles du Sud), accompagnée de dessins faits d'après nature. Journal de Conchyliologie, series 3, 12: 43-70.
- Rudman, W.B., Avern, G. (1989) The genus Rostanga (Nudibranchia: Dorididae) in the Indo-West Pacific. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 96(3): 281-338.
- Rudman, W.B., 2002 (February 5) Rostanga arbutus (Angas, 1864). [In] Sea Slug Forum. Australian Museum, Sydney.