Trapanie Tachetée

Overview

Trapania maculata is a slender, dorid nudibranch belonging to the family Goniodorididae. This marine gastropod is characterized by its translucent white body and distinct yellow or orange pigmentation, making it a notable, albeit small, member of its coastal ecosystems.

Distribution & habitat

This species is found in subtropical and temperate waters, ranging from the Mediterranean Sea—where it was first described—to the Atlantic coasts of France and the southern British Isles. It typically inhabits shallow rocky areas, where it is often observed on or near sponges, hydroids, and bryozoans.

Appearance

Reaching lengths of up to 17–40 mm, this nudibranch has a translucent white body with a tapering, pointed tail. A key identification feature is the presence of curved, posteriorly directed processes at the base of the rhinophores and on either side of the gills, which are typically tipped with yellow or orange. The rhinophores are lamellate on their upper halves. The body often features a triangular yellow patch in front of the gills and a prominent yellow stripe extending along the tail. Long, slender oral tentacles and a pair of recurved propodial tentacles are also present and pigmented.

Feeding

This nudibranch is a specialized feeder that consumes entoprocts of the genus Loxosomella. These tiny organisms are commonly found growing on the surfaces of sponges, hydroids, and bryozoans, which serve as the primary substrate for the slug.