The feeding preferences ofAeolidia papillosa(L.) (Mollusca, Nudibranchia)

Abstract

A clear preference for the actinian anemonesActinia equina, Anemonia sulcataandAnthopleura elegantissimawas demonstrated, while the acontian anemones andCorynactis viridisranked low in the order of preference. The significance of acontia as defensive structures in anemones is discussed briefly. No differences in food preference were found between eolids collected from Plymouth and Millport; and BritishAeolidiabehaved in the same way towards Californian anemones as did CalifornianAeolidia.The eolids varied in their tendency to bite different species of anemone, but the performance of each individual eolid was similar in different experiments. It is possible that the individual variations may account for conflicting reports in the literature.