Lacuna variegata, commonly known as the “variegated lacuna”, is a small species of sea snail that belongs to the family Littorinidae. These snails are characterized by their distinctive shell patterns and their ability to thrive in a variety of marine environments.
Description & Characteristics
Lacuna variegata is a relatively small snail, typically reaching a maximum size of around 10 millimeters. Its shell is characterized by its conical shape, with a pointed spire and a rounded base. The shell is typically a light brown color, with darker brown or black markings. These markings can be irregular or form distinct bands around the shell. The aperture of the shell is oval-shaped and is slightly wider than it is high.
Habitat and Occurrence
Lacuna variegata is widely distributed in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. It is commonly found along the coasts of Europe, including the British Isles, Scandinavia, and the Baltic Sea. This species is often found in intertidal zones, particularly on rocky shores and seawalls. They are also known to inhabit shallow subtidal areas, usually within the infralittoral zone.
Taxonomy
Lacuna variegata belongs to the Gastropoda class, a diverse group of mollusks that includes snails, slugs, and limpets. Within this class, it is classified under the Littorinimorpha order, which encompasses a wide variety of marine and freshwater snails. The family Littorinidae, to which Lacuna variegata belongs, is a group of snails that are predominantly found in intertidal environments.
Feeding
Lacuna variegata is an herbivorous snail, meaning it feeds primarily on algae. They are known to graze on a variety of algae species, including diatoms, green algae, and red algae. Their diet also includes other small organisms, such as microscopic animals and detritus.
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