Doto millbayana Lemche, 1976

Doto millbayana

Description: A small Doto of the coronata group, with typically 6 pairs of cerata in adults. The ceratal tubercles have terminal, round, maroon-red spots and extra irregular red spots. The body is white with sparse mottling of red pigment. The rhinophore sheaths have white pigment on their margins.

Habitat: This animal feeds exclusively on the plumulariid hydroid Plumularia setacea. This hydroid grows on larger hydroids such as Nemertesia antennina and Nemertesia ramosa. A larger form of Plumularia setacea also grows amongst sponges in rapids or strong currents, and may also harbour Doto millbayana.

Distribution: Recorded from the western coasts of the British Isles and the Irish Sea and as far north as Shetland. This species was described in 1976, therefore there is a need for additional new records.

Similar Species: Can be distinguished from Doto coronata by the lack of red pigment on the inner faces of the cerata.

Key Identification Features:

• Red pigment spots on and between ceratal tubercles and on body.
• Conspicuous white rim to rhinophore sheaths.

Distribution Map: NBN map : National Biodiversity Network mapping facility, data for UK.

WoRMS: Species record : World Register of Marine Species.

iNaturalist: Species account : iNaturalist World Species Observations database