There are reports of a strange-looking blue sea slug washing up on beaches along the Bay of Plenty coastline - and people are asked to avoid them.
Glaucus atlanticus isn't toxic but it stores stinging nematocysts (cells in the tentacles of jellyfish) within its own tissues as a defence mechanism.
Bay of Plenty Regional Council environmental scientist Dr Josie Crawshaw said the slugs eat nasties like bluebottles and store their stinging cells.
![People should avoid the glaucus atlanticus sea slug. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/V2VGLAYM6ZAPS2JD4MIMCPZX74.jpg?auth=bb506ef82ed4b5c2e21c41f8cbc93d89091fe580f5e867d1abece15fb1cb0092&width=16&height=16&quality=70&smart=true)
"Treat them like you would a bluebottle washing up: don't touch them in case they sting you, it can be painful," she said.