Tegula
Tegula is a genus of small to medium-sized sea snails, marine gastropod mollusks in the family Tegulidae. These snails are commonly found in the intertidal zone of rocky shores, primarily along the Pacific coast of North America and the western coast of South America.
Common Names
Tegula species are often referred to as "tegula snails" or "top snails". Some species also have specific common names such as "black turban snail" or "California turban snail".
Characteristics
Tegula snails are characterized by their conical, turban-shaped shells. They typically have a distinctive spiral pattern and are often brightly colored, ranging from shades of brown, red, orange, and yellow. The aperture of the shell is usually circular or oval, with a prominent lip. They have a muscular foot that allows them to crawl on rocks and a pair of tentacles with eyes at the base.
Environment
Tegula snails are primarily found in the intertidal zone, living among rocks, seaweed, and barnacles. They are herbivorous, grazing on algae and diatoms. They are an important part of the marine ecosystem, providing food for a variety of predators, including sea stars, crabs, and fish.
Species
The genus Tegula includes several species, some of the most well-known include:
- Tegula funebralis (Black Turban Snail)
- Tegula brunnea (California Turban Snail)
- Tegula montereyi (Monterey Turban Snail)
- Tegula eiseni (Eisen's Turban Snail)
- Tegula rugosa (Rough Turban Snail)