Echinolittorina leucosticta

, Echinolittorina leucosticta, Echinolittorina leucosticta

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Echinolittorina leucosticta is a species of small, intertidal snail belonging to the family Littorinidae. These snails are commonly found in the intertidal zone, a challenging environment characterized by fluctuating tides and varying levels of salinity.

Description & Characteristics

Echinolittorina leucosticta is a relatively small species, with adults typically reaching a maximum size of around 10 mm. The shell of this snail is usually a dull, grayish-brown color, often covered in a thin layer of algae or other encrustations. The shell’s surface exhibits a rough, somewhat granular texture, giving it a distinctive appearance.

Habitat and Occurrence

Echinolittorina leucosticta is primarily an intertidal species, residing in the area between high and low tide marks. These snails are typically found on rocky shores, where they cling tightly to surfaces, often within the spray zone, where they are exposed to air for significant periods. The Echinolittorina leucosticta prefers habitats with a high degree of wave action, making it a common sight on exposed coastlines. They are generally restricted to the upper intertidal zone, falling within the supralittoral marine zone. This adaptation allows them to endure prolonged exposure to air, which would be detrimental to many other marine species.

Taxonomy

Echinolittorina leucosticta belongs to the family Littorinidae, a group of marine snails commonly known as periwinkles. This family is classified within the order Littorinimorpha, which encompasses a broad array of marine gastropods, and falls under the class Gastropoda, a vast and diverse group of mollusks that includes snails, slugs, and sea butterflies.

Feeding

Like many other intertidal snails, Echinolittorina leucosticta is a herbivore, primarily feeding on algae that grows on the rocks and other surfaces within its habitat. They use their radula, a ribbon-like structure covered in tiny teeth, to scrape off algae and ingest it. This diet helps them to thrive in the intertidal zone, where food sources can be relatively limited and unpredictable.

Associated Species

Image References

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