The Doublehorned Batwing Slug, scientifically known as Gastropteron bicornutum, is a fascinating and unique marine mollusk belonging to the family Gastropteridae. This slug, characterized by its distinctive batwing-like parapodia and prominent horns, is a captivating creature with a fascinating lifestyle.
Description & Characteristics
The Gastropteron bicornutum is a moderately sized sea slug, reaching a maximum length of approximately 3 cm. Its body is flattened and somewhat elongated, resembling a bat’s wing in profile, giving rise to its common name. The most striking feature of this slug is the pair of prominent horns located on its dorsal side, which are believed to play a role in sensory perception. The Gastropteron bicornutum is typically pale in color, often exhibiting shades of gray or brown.
Habitat and Occurrence
The Gastropteron bicornutum is known to inhabit a variety of marine zones, including the intertidal and subtidal regions. Its presence is documented in various locations worldwide, typically in areas with rocky substrates or seagrass meadows. These slugs prefer environments with moderate water temperatures and salinity levels, often inhabiting depths ranging from the surface to a few meters below.
Taxonomy
The Gastropteron bicornutum belongs to the Class Gastropoda, which includes a diverse array of mollusks with a single, spiraled shell. This slug further falls under the Order Cephalaspidea, which encompasses sea slugs that primarily live on or near the seabed. Finally, Gastropteron bicornutum is classified under the Family Gastropteridae, a group of sea slugs characterized by their flattened, batwing-like bodies.
Feeding
Food info: No reliable information available
Image References