Heteroteuthis hawaiiensis Berry 1909

Introduction

We present here a description of H. hawaiiensis, but we know of no features that separate it from H. dispar. The two species, which are found in separate oceans, have not been compared side by side, and, therefore, have not been synonymized. Hopefully, DNA data will tell us before long if careful morphological comparisons are needed. H. dispar has priority but our access to specimens in excellent condition and illustrations of H. hawaiiensis is responsible for presenting a more complete description of this species.

Characteristics

1. Arms
   1. Web between arms IV absent.
   2. Male
      1. Each arm III with two or three greatly enlarged suckers.
      2. Enlarged arm III suckers with at least one in dorsal series and one in ventral series.
      3. Right arms I and II hectocotylized; arm II with numerous glandular structures; large gland between arms I and II mostly proximal to sucker bearing regions.
      4. Tips of arms IV with 3-4 irregular series of suckers. This feature was missed by the artist in the drawing below.
         
      

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      Figure. Oral view of the brachial crown of H. hawaiiensis. Drawing by A. Hart.

      

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      Figure. Oral view of various arms of H. hawaiiensis, male. Top - Brachial crown. Bottom left - Hectocotylized right arms I and II showing glandular regions on arms II, same animal as above. Tissue stained with methylene blue stain. . Bottom right - Tip of arm IV, male, 21 mm ML, showing multiple sucker series. Photographs by R. Young.

   3. Female
      1. Arms I and II with bare tips.
      2. Tips of arms IV with 3-4 irregular series of suckers.
      

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      Figure. Oral view of various arms of H. hawaiiensis, female. Top - Arms I-III. Drawing by A. Hart. Bottom - Brachial crown with arms I in the center. Photograph by R. Young.

      3. Arm bases in females with papillate tissue.
         
      

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      Figure. Anteroventral view of the oral surfaces of the arm bases of H. hawaiiensis showing papillate surfaces that extend onto the base of the buccal crown. Arms stained with methylene blue stain. Photograph by R. Young.

2. Head
   
   1. Beaks: Descriptions can be found here: Lower beak; upper beak.
      
      

Comments

More details of the description of H. hawaiiensis can be found here.

Comparisons of the H. hawaiiensis with other species of Heteroteuthis can be found on the Heteroteuthis Page.