Tegula xanthostigma is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Tegulidae. This species is commonly found along the Pacific coast of North America, playing a significant role in the intertidal ecosystems it inhabits.
Description & Characteristics
Tegula xanthostigma is characterized by its distinctive shell, which can grow up to 25 mm in diameter. The shell is typically conical in shape, with a rounded apex. Its color can vary from shades of reddish-brown to orange, often adorned with intricate patterns of darker markings. The shell of Tegula xanthostigma is strong and durable, allowing it to withstand the harsh conditions of the intertidal zone.
Habitat and Occurrence
Tegula xanthostigma is a common inhabitant of the rocky intertidal zone, specifically within the mid- to high-intertidal regions. This marine gastropod is typically found clinging to rocks, often in dense aggregations. Its distribution extends from California to Baja California, with its presence concentrated within the Neritic zone. This zone, also known as the coastal zone, encompasses the shallow waters of the continental shelf and the transition zone between the land and the ocean.
Taxonomy
Tegula xanthostigma is classified within the taxonomic hierarchy of the animal kingdom, falling under the Phylum Mollusca, Class Gastropoda, Order Trochida, and Family Tegulidae.
Feeding
Tegula xanthostigma is primarily a herbivore, feeding on algae and other plant matter found on the rocks. Its strong, rasping radula, a ribbon-like structure in the mouth of mollusks, allows it to scrape algae off surfaces. As a grazer, Tegula xanthostigma plays an important role in the intertidal ecosystem by controlling the growth of algae and influencing the balance of the food web.
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