Lucapina
Lucapina is a genus of small, intertidal marine snails, commonly known as keyhole limpets. They belong to the family Fissurellidae, commonly known as keyhole limpets, which are a group of marine gastropod mollusks that have a small, keyhole-shaped opening near the apex of their shells. This opening serves as an outlet for water and waste products.
Characteristics
Lucapina species typically have conical, low-spired shells with a distinctive keyhole opening. The shell surface can be smooth or ornamented with radial ribs or growth lines. These snails are herbivores and graze on algae and diatoms. They have a radula, a ribbon-like structure in their mouth with rows of teeth used for scraping food.
Environment
Lucapina species are found in the intertidal zone, clinging to rocks and other hard substrates. They are often exposed to harsh environmental conditions, including changes in salinity, temperature, and wave action.
Distribution
Lucapina species are found along the Pacific coast of North America, from Alaska to Baja California.
Notable Species
Some notable species within the Lucapina genus include:
- Lucapina crenulata, the common keyhole limpet, found from Alaska to California.
- Lucapina suffusa, the suffused keyhole limpet, found from Oregon to Baja California.
- Lucapina sternalis, the sternal keyhole limpet, found from California to Baja California.