Predation on scyphozoan polyps and selective hydrozoan nematocyst incorporation dynamics in an alien aeolid nudibranch

C. militaris is a generalist that preys on hydrozoa and can extensively feed on a variety of scyphozoan polyps, yet it does not incorporate scyphozoan nematocysts into its cnidosacs. This is the first report to demonstrate complete selectivity in nematocyst sequestration over an extended feeding period in a nudibranch possessing a functional cnidosac. These findings contribute to understanding nudibranch feeding ecology and the potential role these predators may play in regulating jellyfish blooms.