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Lottia pelta (Shield limpet)
Copyright © 2006
Mary Jo Adams
Because of Lottia pelta’s variable appearance, identifying it can be a challenge. The relatively high apex of this limpet is slightly off-center toward the anterior and the shell margin usually has ribbing but can also be smooth. It has a maximum length of 2-1/4 inches. This limpet is found on rocks, in mussel beds, and on feather boa kelp (Egregia menziesii) in the middle and low intertidal zones. It grazes on microalgae such as diatoms and also on encrusting and upright seaweeds including Petrocelis, Endocladia, Iridia cordata, and Egregia. The shield limpet is preyed on by the purple seastar (Pisaster ochraceous), the mottled sea star (Evasterias troschelii), the frilled dogwinkle (Nucella lamellosa), and also various species of fish and birds. The common and scientific names for this species mesh nicely because “pelta” is the Latin word for a small shield. This species has also been known as Collisella pelta but that name is no longer valid.
This
page was created by Mary Jo Adams on 5/24/06.
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