Littoraria vespacea is a species of small, air-breathing sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Littorinidae, commonly known as the periwinkles.
Description & Characteristics
Littoraria vespacea is a small snail, typically reaching a maximum size of approximately 1 cm in length. Its shell is generally brown or grayish-brown in color, often with a smooth or slightly rough surface. The aperture, the opening of the shell, is rounded and slightly elongated. The snail’s body is soft and fleshy, with a distinct head that contains two retractable tentacles and a pair of eyes.
Habitat and Occurrence
Littoraria vespacea is an intertidal species, meaning it lives in the area between the high and low tide marks. It is commonly found on rocky shores and mangrove forests, where it attaches itself to the surfaces of rocks, trees, and other substrates. The snail is a common sight in the intertidal zone of tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. It is a particularly prevalent presence in the intertidal zones of the Indo-Pacific region.
Taxonomy
The species Littoraria vespacea belongs to the class Gastropoda, which includes a wide range of mollusks with a single, spirally coiled shell. Within the class Gastropoda, it falls into the order Littorinimorpha, which encompasses a diverse group of sea snails and periwinkles. Littoraria vespacea is further classified within the family Littorinidae, a family of predominantly intertidal and marine snails that are commonly known as periwinkles.
Feeding
Littoraria vespacea is a herbivorous species, feeding primarily on algae and detritus. It uses its radula, a ribbon-like structure with rows of teeth, to scrape algae and other organic matter off surfaces. The snail’s diet often consists of diatoms, green algae, and decaying plant material. Its grazing behavior plays a significant role in the ecological balance of the intertidal zone.
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