Cuthona foliata is a small aeolid nudibranch found in
shallow water feeding on hydroids growing on algae.
There are doubts on the presence of this species in the
Mediterranean and some authors consider the 'foliata' as
genovae.
Propodial tentacles: Absent, (foot rounded). Oral tentacles: 2 in number, short, with white tips. Rhinophores: Translucent with white tips, smooth. Cerata: Brown coloured with paler areas at the upper
part, various small white spots and white tips. Body: Translucent with white pigment in the anterior
area, clear central area and white spots on the posterior
part of the nudibranch. Two orange lines are present
along the dorso-lateral part. No yellow line in the middle
between rhinophores. Foot: Translucent without appendages.
Size range: 2-6mm. Uncommon.
Specific characteristics: This species is similar toC.
genovae, with which it may be confused. The presence
or two orange lines but absence of a central yellow line
may be used to identify this species.