Common periwinkle

Sea snail, underneath, full view

Littorina littorea 001

Littorina littorea 02

FMIB 48521 Two rows of the radula of Littorina littorea L

Altamira Littorina littorea Édouard Harlé MHNT.PRE.2012.0.609

Common supply chain for periwinkles

Common periwinkle

The common periwinkle (Littorina littorea), also known as the winkle, is a species of small edible sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Littorinidae. This species is native to the northeastern Atlantic Ocean, including the British Isles, and has been introduced to the northwestern Atlantic Ocean.

Description

The common periwinkle has a thick, spiraled shell that can vary in color from grayish to brown, often with dark spiral bands. The shell can reach up to 30 mm in height and 20 mm in width. The aperture is oval, and the operculum is horny and brownish.

Habitat

Common periwinkles are found in the intertidal zone on rocky shores, where they graze on algae. They are highly adaptable and can also be found in estuarine environments and on mudflats.

Distribution

Originally native to the northeastern Atlantic, the common periwinkle has been introduced to the northwestern Atlantic, where it has become established from Newfoundland to Maryland. It is considered an invasive species in some areas due to its impact on local ecosystems.

Ecology

Common periwinkles play a significant role in their ecosystem by grazing on algae, which helps to control algal growth on rocks. They are preyed upon by various predators, including birds, crabs, and fish.

Reproduction

The common periwinkle has separate sexes, and fertilization is internal. Females lay egg capsules that contain multiple eggs, which hatch into free-swimming larvae. These larvae eventually settle and metamorphose into juvenile snails.

Human Use

Common periwinkles are harvested for food in various parts of the world. They are often boiled and eaten as a delicacy, particularly in parts of Europe.

Related Pages

• Sea snail
• Marine gastropod
• Littorinidae
• Invasive species
• Intertidal zone