Littoraria intermedia is a species of small, air-breathing sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Littorinidae. It is commonly known as the “intertidal periwinkle”.
Description & Characteristics
Littoraria intermedia is a small, air-breathing sea snail with a distinctive shell. The shell is generally conical, ranging in height from 5 to 12 millimeters, and has a relatively broad base. The color of the shell can vary from a light yellowish-brown to a dark brown, often with a pattern of darker brown bands or stripes. The apex of the shell is typically pointed, and the spire, or the conical part of the shell, is moderately high. The aperture, or opening of the shell, is oval in shape and has a smooth outer lip.
Habitat and Occurrence
Littoraria intermedia is found in intertidal zones, specifically the upper intertidal zone, along the coasts of the eastern Pacific Ocean. This species is typically found in the splash zone, which is the area that is only splashed by waves during high tide. This habitat exposes the snails to harsh conditions, including intense sunlight, desiccation, and fluctuating temperatures.
Taxonomy
Littoraria intermedia belongs to the family Littorinidae, which encompasses a wide variety of intertidal snails. This family is further classified within the Order Littorinimorpha, which is a group of highly diverse gastropods found in a range of marine environments. The species is part of the Class Gastropoda, which includes a vast array of shelled and unshelled mollusks with a variety of feeding and life history strategies.
Feeding
Littoraria intermedia is an herbivore, meaning it feeds primarily on algae. This species scrapes algae off of rocks and other hard surfaces using its radula, which is a ribbon-like structure in the mouth of the snail. Littoraria intermedia plays a significant role in the intertidal ecosystem by consuming algae, helping to control their growth and promoting the diversity of the community.
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