Common Periwinkle

Littorina littorea

Description:

There were tons of these snails in the intertidal zone during low tide. They had blunt spires, pale columella, and were about 20-25 mm long.

Habitat:

Along the coast during low tide.

Notes:

Periwinkles are vegetarians and can withstand long periods of time without food or water.

Species ID Suggestions

7 Comments

Neil Ross 5 years ago

Congratulations, Christine. Wonderful photos, and a great spotting.

Christine Y. 5 years ago

Thanks DrNamgyalT.Sherpa :)

DrNamgyalT.Sherpa 5 years ago

Congrats Christine Y. for the SOTD!

Christine Y. 5 years ago

Thanks Danièle for SOTD, I'm honored! @Jonathan, gracias :)! @Machi, thanks and interesting tidbit - I didn't know about humming, but will try it next time!

Machi 5 years ago

Great spot! I love to pick them up and hum so they poke their heads out :)

Jonathan Sequeira 5 years ago

Felicitaciones por el SOTD

DanielePralong 5 years ago

Congratulations Christine, your Common Periwinkle is our Spotting of the Day:

"You can look straight into the eye of a Common Periwinkle (Littorina littorea) in our Spotting of the Day! Eyespots are found sideways at the base of each of the snail's two cephalic tentacles. The eyes of Littorina littorea have been extensively studied, and the animal is able to detect light and motion. Littorina littorea is considered native to the eastern Atlantic, and is an invasive species in North America. Molecular studies suggest that Littorina littorea was introduced to the western Atlantic via rock ballast from British ships.
To learn more about Littorina littorea as an invasive species: https://buff.ly/2lqmg7i "

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