Lobed Sap-sucking Slug, Elysia lobata

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When this tiny 12 mm (1/2″) sapsucker was first photographed we were unsure of its identification.  It moved a bit like a bulbaeolidia alba, clicking its paradoda as it moved, but looked like a lighter version of the Elysia lobata that is described on Sea Slugs of Hawaii. So we contacted the experts, and Cory Pittman and Pauline Fiene confirmed the id: Elysia lobata.  To confuse things more, it closely resembles the Elysia sp#2, so make sure there is no pinkish mark on the head.  Juveniles have large spots and some can be quite a deep green in colour.    This photo was taken in a shallow protected area on Maui’s North Shore.