FAMILY : GLAUCIDAE
Glaucus marginatus Bergh, 1860
10mm--15 March 08

Dorsal surface, which faces downward as animal floats upside down on the surface of the ocean (Pleuston). This is the smaller of two similar pleustonic species which are blown ashore during periods of strong onshore winds. The other being Glaucus atlanticus Forster 1777.

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Feeding on the "By-the-wind sailor" (Velella velella). Also feeds on the Portuguese man-o'-war, commonly
known as the Bluebottle (Physalia physalis) and, below, on Porpita porpita.

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Mating sequence shown below

© All images Copyright 2010 Denis Riek. All rights reserved.