Distribution and status
Norway (near Arctic circle) into Mediterranean. A. punctilucens, or a similar species, is recorded from China, Japan (Seaslug Forum) and Australia ( GBIF map).
Widespread around Britain and Ireland, but probably under recorded because of its camouflage. (U.K. interactive distribution map (NBN Atlas).
Aegires punctilucens
The map provided here shows the distribution of the species based on Conchological Society data held by the National Biodiversity Network (NBN). See terms and conditions.
The following datasets are included:
- Conchological Society of Great Britain & Ireland: marine mollusc records
Open an NBN Atlas interactive map of this data in a new window.
Ecology and behaviour
On lower shore and sublittorally to 100m feeding on Leucoselenia botryoides [EML] . Cryptic structure and colour make it difficult to detect on shore. Most easily found by examining L. botryoides in water. Simultaneous hermaphrodite. Spawns in June and July. Spawn mass a spiral ribbon attached by edge. Veliger larvae live as plankton before metamorphosing.
Similar species
No other British member of the Polyceroidea has brilliant blue-green spots.
Key identification features
Brilliant iridescent azure blue/emerald green spots [4].
References and links
Alder, J. & Hancock, A. 1845-1855. A monograph of the British nudibranchiate mollusca. London, Ray Society.
Thompson, T.E. & Brown, G.H. 1984. Biology of opisthobranch molluscs 2. London, Ray Society.
Irish distribution maps and prey organisms:
Picton, B.E. & Morrow, C.C., 2010. Encyclopedia of Marine Life of Britain and Ireland
Taxon details available from MolluscaBase (AphiaID 138706):
Aegires punctilucens (d'Orbigny, 1837)
The UK NBN Atlas entry for the species can be accessed via this link.
Aegires punctilucens, widespread around Britain and Ireland, but probably under recorded because of its camouflage.
