Well, it would have to be the free-swimming veliger larva which is capable
of "seeing" the red bands, because it is the larva which "selects" the spot
on the substrate where the animal will mature, and will spend the rest of
its life.  The larva couldn't actually "see" red as such, even if it had
well developed eyes, since red light doesn't penetrate seawater more than a
couple of feet.  If there is an actual preference on the part of the larva
for a specific part of the host shell pattern, it seems to me it would have
to be based on some biochemical response to something in the shell pigment.
Then again, what advantage would this be to the animal, unless there is
something else that feeds on it, and identifies its prey by sight?  Curious.

Paul M.

----------------------------------------------------------------------
[log in to unmask] - a forum for informal discussions on molluscs
To leave this list, click on the following web link:
http://listserv.uga.edu/cgi-bin/wa?SUBED1=conch-l&A=1
Type your email address and name in the appropriate box and
click leave the list.
----------------------------------------------------------------------