Figured: S M Smith
Length: 20-28 mm

Very common living on stones and old shells as well as bedrock, mid-tide to 20m. Tolerates fresh water run-off. Particularly abundant in the sheltered waters of sea lochs and the Clyde, where it can be large (to 30mm). Juveniles have also been found living on the fronds of algae, especially Fucus serratus. Food includes red algae, probably also detritus, microalgae and/or bacteria. The white form has been misidentified at Tectura virginea. Dead shells common. Many old records. This is normally regarded as a northern species, extending from the northern Irish sea to Yorkshire, but there are occasional records from the English Channel. In our area it does not appear to extend west of Mulroy Bay.
Collections: NHM , NMSZ, NMW, UM

Copyright © Shelagh Smith & Julia Nunn