Laila cockerelli (MacFarland, 1905)Common name: Cockerell’s Nudibranch |
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Synonyms: None
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Class Gastropoda
Superfamily Anadoridoidea
Tribe Non-Suctoria
Family Polyceridae
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Laila cockerelli: Coffin Rocks, WA
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(Photo by: Robbie Wheeling, July, 2002)
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Description: Body usually 12 to 30
mm long. It is white to yellowish, with distinctive red-orange color
on marginal, club-shaped processes and on rhinophores.
There are spicules below the translucent body surface that produce a network
of transparent lines.
Gills are obscure and contractile, but not retractile
below body surface. In this dorid, it is usually mistaken for an aeolid
because of it’s very long dorsal papillae. They often obscure the
branchial plume.
How to Distinguish from Similar Species:
Geographical Range: Vancouver Island (British Columbia) to Bahia de los Angeles (Baja California), uncommon at south end of range in winter.
Depth Range: Low intertidal to subtidal
Habitat: In tidepools, within intertidal zone. In subtidal waters, and on rocky shores.
Biology/Natural History: Species named for the English
and American entomologist and malacologist T.D.A. Cockerella. Its
anatomy was described in detail early in the century. L. cockerelli
have been observed feeding on the bryozoan Hinchsina velata.
In Vancouver area, spawning occurs from May to June. The egg string
is pale-pink; it spirals tightly and contains only about 6,500 eggs.
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References:
Dichotomous Keys:
General References:
Morris et al., 1980
Scientific Articles:
The rhinophores and circle of gills are clearly visible on this individual from Northwest island. Total length approx. 2 cm.
Photo by Dave Cowles, July 2005
Robbie Wheeling (2002): Created original page
Edited by Hans Helmstetler 1-2003, Dave Cowles 2005