Scientific Name:
Lottia scabra
Description
A high intertidal species of snail with an oval, brown and white shell with ribs around the edges.
Behaviors
Use a radula (like a tongue with teeth) to scrape algae from the rocks for food. They use their ribbed shells to grind the rock down until it fits them perfectly, creating a “home base” they return to after grazing. Rough limpets hold tight to the rocks and seldom move very far.
Fun Facts
Unlike many of their tide pool neighbors, rough limpets don’t have to face the perils of drying out at low tide. Their perfect fit into the rock allows them to hold water inside their shell, keeping them safe and moist.
Nature Topics
Photo credit: ©Kip Evans
