Figured: S M Smith
Height: 3 mm
NO NBN MAP

This is now considered to be an ecotype, possbly a mix of several species, of which Littorina saxtilis is the principal one (Reid, 1996). The shape and colouring differ from Littorina s.s. juveniles, the black band being distinctive. Very common, living on rocky shores especially amongst dead barnacles, in amongst Lichina pygmaea and amongst red algae, from the upper shore, its chief habitat, but it has been observed, under stressful laboratory conditions, to be eating decaying Nucella lapillus. Dead shells common in shell sand. Smith, but not Nunn, feels that at present it is useful to keep records separate, to avoid loss of data.
Collections: NMSZ

Copyright © Shelagh Smith & Julia Nunn