Phestilla lugubris (Bergh, 1870) Figure 21A

Material examined.

One specimen 30 mm, HWB; two specimens 25-30 mm, SO.

Ecology.

Exclusively on or in the immediate vicinity of its prey, the scleractinian coral Porites in coral reef habitats. Locally observed to be predating colonies of Porites lobata Dana, 1846, Porites lutea Milne Edwards, 1860, and Porites sp., all of which have been observed hosting the distinctive egg ribbons of the species. Depth 1-16 m.

Distribution.

Widespread across the Indo-Pacific including the Red Sea (Yonow 2000), Mozambique ( Tibiriçá et al. 2017), India (Apte 2009), Vietnam (Risbec 1956), Indonesia (Burghardt et al. 2006), Tanzania, Madagascar, Seychelles, the Philippines, Japan, Papua New Guinea, Australia, New Caledonia, Hawaii, and the Pacific coast of North America (Gosliner et al. 2008). Recorded from both Andaman and Gulf waters of Thailand (Chavanich et al. 2013).