Littoraria melanostoma is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Littorinidae, the periwinkles. This small gastropod is a common inhabitant of intertidal zones, particularly within the rocky shores of the Pacific coast of Central America.
Description and Characteristics
Littoraria melanostoma is a relatively small snail, typically reaching a maximum size of about 20 mm in length. The shell of this species exhibits a distinctive conical shape, featuring a pointed apex and a rounded base. The shell color can vary, ranging from grayish-brown to yellowish-brown, with darker streaks or bands often present. The aperture, or opening of the shell, is typically dark brown or black, giving rise to the species’ common name.
Habitat and Occurrence
Littoraria melanostoma is primarily found in the intertidal zone of rocky shores, specifically within the supralittoral and mid-littoral zones. This means that the snail inhabits areas that are exposed to air during low tide but are submerged during high tide. The species’ distribution extends along the Pacific coast of Central America, where it is a common inhabitant of these marine ecosystems.
Taxonomy
Littoraria melanostoma belongs to the Class Gastropoda, which encompasses a vast diversity of snails, slugs, and other related mollusks. It is further classified within the Order Littorinimorpha, a group known for their intertidal and marine habitats. The family Littorinidae, to which Littoraria melanostoma belongs, consists primarily of periwinkles, a group of small, often intertidal snails.
Feeding
Littoraria melanostoma is a herbivore, feeding primarily on algae that grow on the rocky surfaces of its habitat. The snail utilizes its radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape algae from the substrate. These feeding habits make Littoraria melanostoma a vital part of the intertidal ecosystem, playing a role in regulating the growth and distribution of algae.
Image References