What we are calling Diodora mus is common under rocks on lagoon, pinnacle and seaward reefs at Kwajalein. Observation of many specimens indicates that the species is quite variable in color, and we have seen what appear to be variations figured in books and websites under not only the name D. mus, but also other names such as D. cruciata and D. quadriradiata. It seems to us that these are all the same although examination of the DNA may prove otherwise. Numerous photos are presented below to illustrate some of the variations.
Reference photos of both Diodora cruciata and D. quadriradiata show coloration with alternating dark and light bands such as the one immediately below.
However, shells can be commonly found that start off with alternating dark and white bands but change to typical coloration of Diodora mus.
The rarely seen animal is white to light cream colored with brown spots.
If any of our specimens look as though they might be different, it would be the one in the photos below.
Created 3 June 2019
Updated 19 March 2021