Austrolittorina
Austrolittorina is a genus of small, air-breathing sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Littorinidae, the periwinkles. These snails are commonly found in intertidal zones along the coasts of Australia and New Zealand.
Common Names
Species within the genus Austrolittorina are commonly referred to as "periwinkles" or "littorines." Some species have specific common names, such as the "black periwinkle" (Austrolittorina unifasciata).
Characteristics
Austrolittorina snails are typically small, with shells ranging in size from a few millimeters to a few centimeters. Their shells are often conical or dome-shaped, with a distinctive spiral pattern. The color of the shell varies depending on the species and its environment. They have a single, operculum that covers the opening of the shell when the snail retracts inside.
Environments
Austrolittorina snails are found in intertidal zones, where they are exposed to the air during low tide and submerged during high tide. They are adapted to survive these harsh conditions, with adaptations such as a thick shell, a strong foot, and the ability to close their operculum to retain moisture. These snails are often found on rocky shores, seaweed, and other substrates.
Species
There are several species within the genus Austrolittorina, including:
- Austrolittorina unifasciata (Gray, 1826)
- Austrolittorina antipodum (Philippi, 1847)
- Austrolittorina cincta (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824)
- Austrolittorina novaezealandiae (Suter, 1908)
- Austrolittorina petterdi (Tenison-Woods, 1878)
References
For more information on the genus Austrolittorina, see the following references: