A New Species of Hypselodoris and a Redescription of Hypselodoris picta lajensis (Nudibranchia: Chromodorididae) from Brazil

The external and internal morphology of Hypselodoris juliae sp. nov. is described in detail. This beautiful new species differs from congeners by its pale notum with many orange or yellow lines and iridescent blue patches, a relatively short prostate, and the absence of denticles on the lateral radular teeth. Its known geographic distribution includes the southeastern Brazilian coast, and possibly the Caribbean Sea. Tropical western Atlantic species of Hypselodoris are discussed comparatively. A redescription of Hypselodoris picta lajensis, which is known only from the southeastern and southern coast of Brazil, is presented. For the first time, wide intraspecific variation in coloration, radula, and features of the reproductive system of this subspecies was observed. Because of this variation, we prefer to maintain the subspecies rank of H. picta lajensis until a comprehensive revision of all H. picta material, including detailed anatomical comparisons and also a molecular approach, can provide a better understanding of this group.