Diodora digueti is a species of marine snail, a true limpet, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Fissurellidae. This species is part of the Class Gastropoda, which includes a wide range of snails and slugs, and the Order Lepetellida, a group of limpets known for their distinctive morphology. Diodora digueti is found in various marine environments, often residing in intertidal zones and shallow subtidal habitats.
Description & Characteristics
Diodora digueti, like other members of its family, displays characteristic features. Its shell is typically conical, with a distinct apex that is slightly off-center, creating an asymmetrical shape. The shell of Diodora digueti exhibits a unique feature: a small, oval-shaped hole, known as a “keyhole,” located near the apex. This hole serves a vital function in respiration, allowing water to flow into the mantle cavity. The shell’s surface is often marked with radial ribs, giving it a textured appearance. The color of the shell can vary depending on the individual and its environment, ranging from shades of brown and gray to cream and white.
Habitat and Occurrence
Diodora digueti is typically found in rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats, making it a prevalent presence in these aquatic ecosystems. The species is particularly common in the northeastern Pacific Ocean, often clinging to rocks and other hard surfaces. These environments, ranging from the upper intertidal zone, where they are exposed during low tide, to the lower intertidal and shallow subtidal, provide suitable conditions for Diodora digueti to thrive. Their distribution extends into various marine zones, including the neritic zone, which encompasses the relatively shallow waters extending from the shoreline out to the edge of the continental shelf.
Taxonomy
The species Diodora digueti belongs to the Class: Gastropoda, Order: Lepetellida, and Family: Fissurellidae. Diodora digueti is classified under the genus Diodora, a group of keyhole limpets known for their distinctive keyhole apertures. This classification reflects the evolutionary relationships and shared characteristics among these limpets. The family Fissurellidae encompasses a diverse group of limpets, all of which possess a keyhole opening in their shells, a defining feature that distinguishes them from other limpets.
Feeding
Like other limpets, Diodora digueti is a herbivore, feeding primarily on algae. They use their radula, a rasping tongue-like structure, to scrape algae off of rocks and other surfaces. Diodora digueti plays a vital role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem by consuming algae and preventing overgrowth. The feeding habits of Diodora digueti contribute to the health and diversity of the rocky intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats they inhabit.
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