Definition
Facelina hartleyi is a name that has appeared in some taxonomic lists but lacks verifiable, widely accepted documentation in major scientific references on marine gastropods.
Overview
The genus Facelina belongs to the family Facelinidae and comprises aeolid nudibranchs (sea slugs) found in marine environments worldwide. While many species within this genus are well‑documented, the specific epithet “hartleyi” does not appear in authoritative databases such as the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), the Integrated Taxonomic Information System (ITIS), or peer‑reviewed taxonomic literature that are routinely cited for molluscan taxonomy.
Etymology / Origin
The epithet “hartleyi” is typically formed in Latinized scientific names to honor a person bearing the surname Hartley. In zoological nomenclature, the suffix “‑i” denotes a masculine patronym, indicating that the species was likely named after a male individual named Hartley, possibly a collector, researcher, or benefactor associated with the specimen’s discovery. Without a formal description, the precise origin of the name cannot be confirmed.
Characteristics
Accurate morphological, ecological, and distributional characteristics of Facelina hartleyi cannot be provided because the species has not been formally described in accessible, peer‑reviewed literature. Consequently, any traits that might be attributed to this taxon remain speculative.
Related Topics
- Facelinidae – the family containing the genus Facelina, characterized by elongated bodies, cerata (finger‑like dorsal extensions), and often bright coloration.
- Aeolid nudibranchs – a group of sea slugs that feed mainly on cnidarians and can incorporate nematocysts into their own tissues for defense.
- Taxonomic nomenclature – the set of rules governing the naming of organisms, governed internationally by the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).
Note: Accurate information on Facelina hartleyi is not confirmed in primary taxonomic sources. Further research, such as consulting original species descriptions or museum specimen records, would be required to verify the existence and validity of this name.