It’s not easy being green,
but that is the color of most sapsucking slugs including the Ornate Elysia.
The Ornate Elysia (Elysia ornata) is a member of the superorder of sea slugs called Sacoglossa. They live by ingesting the cellular contents of algae, hence the sapsucking moniker. While they can grow to almost 2”, this was a tiny one (about 1/2”). The ear like structures are called rhinophores. Rather than sound, they actually detect scent or taste and enable the slug to stay close to its food source.
Blue Heron Bridge, Riviera Beach FL
A few more pictures from this week around the ‘hood. Click on an image to view it full screen.
