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| subdivision = See text.
| subdivision = See text.
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'''Limpets''' are marine [[gastropod]] [[mollusk]]s in the order '''Patellogastropoda''' with flattened, cone-shaped shells. They live throughout the [[intertidal zone]], from the high zone ([[upper littoral]]) to the shallow subtidal on the rocky coasts of most oceans. Limpets can be commonly found attached to rocks, looking like little disks or bumps on the rock surface. They attach themselves to the substratum using pedal [[mucus]] and a muscular "foot", which enables them to remain attached through dangerous wave action and which also seals against the rock to protect from desiccation during low tide. Limpets forage by grazing on [[algae]] found on rock surfaces. They scrape films of algae from the rock with a [[radula]], a ribbon-like tongue with rows of teeth. Limpets move by rippling the muscles of their foot in a wave-like motion.
'''Limpets''' are marine [[gastropod]] [[mollusk]]s in the order '''Patellogastropoda''' with flattened, cone-shaped shells. They live throughout the [[intertidal zone]], from the high zone (upper [[littoral zone]]) to the shallow subtidal on the rocky coasts of most oceans. Limpets can be commonly found attached to rocks, looking like little disks or bumps on the rock surface. They attach themselves to the substratum using pedal [[mucus]] and a muscular "foot", which enables them to remain attached through dangerous wave action and which also seals against the rock to protect from desiccation during low tide. Limpets forage by grazing on [[algae]] found on rock surfaces. They scrape films of algae from the rock with a [[radula]], a ribbon-like tongue with rows of teeth. Limpets move by rippling the muscles of their foot in a wave-like motion.


Most limpets are less than 3 [[inch|in]] (8 [[centimetre|cm]]) long, but a West Mexican Limpet grows to be 8 in (20 cm).
Most limpets are less than 3 [[inch|in]] (8 [[centimetre|cm]]) long, but a West Mexican Limpet grows to be 8 in (20 cm).
Line 19: Line 19:


== Homing behaviour ==
== Homing behaviour ==
Some species of limpets return to the same spot on the rock known as a "home scar" just before the tide recedes.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} In such species, the shape of their shell often grows to precisely match the contours of the rock surrounding the scar. This behaviour presumably allows them to form a better seal to the rock and may help protect from either predation or desiccation. It is still unclear how limpets find their way back to the same spot each time, but it is thought that they follow a mucus trail left as they move. Other species, notably ''Lottia gigantea'' seem to "garden" a patch of algae around their home scar <ref>A. L. Shanks 2002. "Previous agonistic experience determines both foraging behaviour and territoriality in the limpet ''Lottia gigantea''". Behavioral Ecology 13(4)</ref>. They are one of the few invertebrates to exhibit [[territory (animal)|territoriality]] and will aggressively push other organisms out of this patch by ramming with their shell, thereby allowing their patch of algae to grow for their own grazing. Also, where the limpets eat the algae, off bare rocks, it causes places where other organisms can grow and thrive.
Some species of limpets return to the same spot on the rock known as a "home scar" just before the tide recedes.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} In such species, the shape of their shell often grows to precisely match the contours of the rock surrounding the scar. This behaviour presumably allows them to form a better seal to the rock and may help protect from either predation or desiccation. It is still unclear how limpets find their way back to the same spot each time, but it is thought that they follow a mucus trail left as they move. Other species, notably ''Lottia gigantea'' seem to "garden" a patch of algae around their home scar <ref>A. L. Shanks 2002. "Previous agonistic experience determines both foraging behaviour and territoriality in the limpet ''Lottia gigantea''". Behavioral Ecology 13(4)</ref>. They are one of the few invertebrates to exhibit [[territory (animal)|territoriality]] and will aggressively push other organisms out of this patch by ramming with their shell, thereby allowing their patch of algae to grow for their own grazing. Also, where the limpets eat the algae off bare rocks, it creates places where other organisms can grow and thrive.


== Predators and threats ==
== Predators and threats ==
Limpets are preyed upon by a variety of organisms including starfish, shore-birds, fish, seals, and humans. Limpets exhibit a variety of defenses, such as fleeing or clamping their shells against the substratum. The defense response can be determined by the type of predator, which can often be detected chemically by the limpet.
Limpets are preyed upon by a variety of organisms including [[sea star|starfish]], shore-birds, fish, seals, and humans. Limpets exhibit a variety of defenses, such as fleeing or clamping their shells against the substratum. The defense response can be determined by the type of predator, which can often be detected chemically by the limpet.


Limpets can be long lived, with tagged specimens surviving for more than 10 years. If the limpet lives on bare rock, it grows at a slower rate but can live for up to 20 years.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
Limpets can be long lived, with tagged specimens surviving for more than 10 years. If the limpet lives on bare rock, it grows at a slower rate but can live for up to 20 years.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}


Limpets found on exposed shores, that have less rock pools than sheltered shores and are thus in less frequent contact with water, have a greater risk of [[desiccation]] due to the effects of increased sunlight, water evaporation and the increased wind speed. To avoid drying out they will clamp to the rock they inhabit, minimizing water-loss from the rim around their base. As this occurs chemicals are released that promote the vertical growth of the limpet's shell.
Limpets found on exposed shores, that have fewer rock pools than sheltered shores and are thus in less frequent contact with water, have a greater risk of [[desiccation]] due to the effects of increased sunlight, water evaporation and the increased wind speed. To avoid drying out they will clamp to the rock they inhabit, minimizing water-loss from the rim around their base. As this occurs chemicals are released that promote the vertical growth of the limpet's shell.


Limpets are being researched to see if the chemicals they release have cancer-preventing qualities.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
Limpets are being researched to see if the chemicals they release have cancer-preventing qualities.{{Fact|date=February 2007}}
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***Family [[Lepetidae]]
***Family [[Lepetidae]]
***Family [[Lottiidae]]
***Family [[Lottiidae]]
****Genus ''[[Lottia]]'' Gray, 1833
****Genus ''[[Lottia]]'' <small>Gray, 1833</small>
******Species ''[[Lottia gigantea]]'' Sowerby, 1834
****** ''[[Lottia gigantea]]'' <small>Sowerby, 1834</small>
******Species † ''Lottia alveus'', [[Eelgrass limpet]]
****** †''[[Lottia alveus]]'', [[Eelgrass limpet]]
**Superfamily [[Nacelloidea]]
**Superfamily [[Nacelloidea]]
***Family [[Nacellidae]]
***Family [[Nacellidae]]
Line 53: Line 53:
****Genus ''[[Naccula]]''
****Genus ''[[Naccula]]''
****Genus ''[[Nacella]]''
****Genus ''[[Nacella]]''
****** ''[[Nacella kerguelenensis]]'' <small>(E. A. Smith, 1877</small>
****** ''[[Nacella macquariensis]]'' <small>Finlay, 1927</small>
****** ''[[Nacella terroris]]'' <small>(Filhol, 1880)</small>
*Suborder [[Patellina]]
*Suborder [[Patellina]]
**Superfamily [[Patelloidea]]
**Superfamily [[Patelloidea]]
***Family [[Patellidae]]
***Family [[Patellidae]]
****Genus ''[[Cellana]]''
****Genus ''[[Cellana]]''
******Species ''[[Cellana ampla]]''
****** ''[[Cellana ampla]]''
******Species ''[[Cellana ardosioea]]'' Hombron & Jacquinot, 1841
****** ''[[Cellana ardosioea]]'' <small>Hombron & Jacquinot, 1841</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana capensis]]'' Gmelin, 1791
****** ''[[Cellana capensis]]'' <small>Gmelin, 1791</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana craticulata]]'' Suter, 1905
****** ''[[Cellana craticulata]]'' <small>Suter, 1905</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana conciliata]]'' Rainbow limpet
****** ''[[Cellana conciliata]]'' Rainbow limpet
******Species ''[[Cellana denticulata]]'' Martyn, 1784
****** ''[[Cellana denticulata]]'' <small>Martyn, 1784</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana eucosmia]]'' Pilsbry, 1891
****** ''[[Cellana eucosmia]]'' <small>Pilsbry, 1891</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana exarata]]'' Hawaiian blackfoot ''‘opihi''
****** ''[[Cellana exarata]]'' Hawaiian blackfoot ''‘opihi''
******Species ''[[Cellana flava]]'' Hutton, 1873
****** ''[[Cellana flava]]'' <small>Hutton, 1873</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana grata]]'' Gould, 1859
****** ''[[Cellana grata]]'' <small>Gould, 1859</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana melanostoma]]'' Pilsbry, 1891
****** ''[[Cellana melanostoma]]'' <small>Pilsbry, 1891</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana nigrolineata]]'' Reeve, 1854
****** ''[[Cellana nigrolineata]]'' <small>Reeve, 1854</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana ornata]]'' Dillwyn, 1817
****** ''[[Cellana ornata]]'' <small>Dillwyn, 1817</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana radiata]]''
****** ''[[Cellana radiata]]''
******Species ''[[Cellana rota]]''
****** ''[[Cellana rota]]''
******Species ''[[Cellana sandwicensis]]''
****** ''[[Cellana sandwicensis]]''
******Species ''[[Cellana stellifera]]'' Gmelin, 1791
****** ''[[Cellana stellifera]]'' <small>Gmelin, 1791</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana strigilis]]'' Powell, 1955
****** ''[[Cellana strigilis]]'' <small>Powell, 1955</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana talcosa]]'' Gould, 1846
****** ''[[Cellana talcosa]]'' <small>Gould, 1846</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana testudinaria]]'' Linnaeus, 1758
****** ''[[Cellana testudinaria]]'' <small>Linnaeus, 1758</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana toreuma]]'' Reeve, 1855
****** ''[[Cellana toreuma]]'' <small>Reeve, 1855</small>
******Species ''[[Cellana tramoserica]]'' Holten, 1802
****** ''[[Cellana tramoserica]]'' <small>Holten, 1802</small>
****Genus ''[[Helcion]]''
****Genus ''[[Helcion]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Ansates]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Ansates]]''
******Species ''[[Helcion pellucidus]]''
****** ''[[Helcion pellucidus]]''
******Species ''[[Helcion tella]]''
****** ''[[Helcion tella]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Helcion]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Helcion]]''
******Species ''[[Helcion pectunculus]]''
****** ''[[Helcion pectunculus]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Patinastra]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Patinastra]]''
******Species ''[[Helcion dunkeri]]''
****** ''[[Helcion dunkeri]]''
******Species ''[[Helcion pruinosus]]''
****** ''[[Helcion pruinosus]]''
****Genus ''[[Helioniscus]]''
****Genus ''[[Helioniscus]]''
******Species ''[[Helcion tella]]''
****** ''[[Helcion tella]]''
****Genus ''[[Patella (genus)|Patella]]''
****Genus ''[[Patella (genus)|Patella]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Olana (subgenus)|Olana]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Olana (subgenus)|Olana]]''
******Species ''[[Patella cochlear]]''
****** ''[[Patella cochlear]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Patella (subgenus)|Patella]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Patella (subgenus)|Patella]]''
******Species ''[[Patella baudonii]]''
****** ''[[Patella baudonii]]''
******Species ''[[Patella caerulea]]''
****** ''[[Patella caerulea]]''
******Species ''[[Patella candei]]''
****** ''[[Patella candei]]''
*******(Sub)Species ''[[Patella gomesii|Patella (candei) gomesii]]''
******* ''[[Patella gomesii|Patella (candei) gomesii]]''
******Species ''[[Patella compressa]]''
****** ''[[Patella compressa]]''
******Species ''[[Patella depressa]]''
****** ''[[Patella depressa]]''
******Species ''[[Patella ferruginea]]''
****** ''[[Patella ferruginea]]''
******Species ''[[Patella lowei]]''
****** ''[[Patella lowei]]''
******Species ''[[Patella miniata]]''
****** ''[[Patella miniata]]''
******Species ''[[Patella moreleti]]''
****** ''[[Patella moreleti]]''
******Species ''[[Patella piperata]]''
****** ''[[Patella piperata]]''
******Species ''[[Patella rustica]]''
****** ''[[Patella rustica]]''
******Species ''[[Patella ulyssiponensis]]''
****** ''[[Patella ulyssiponensis]]''
******Species ''[[Patella variabilis]]''
****** ''[[Patella variabilis]]''
******Species ''[[Patella vulgata]]''
****** ''[[Patella vulgata]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Patellida]]''
****** ''[[Patellida]]''
******Species ''[[Patella granularis]]''
****** ''[[Patella granularis]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Patellona]]''
****** ''[[Patellona]]''
******Species ''[[Patella adansonii]]''
****** ''[[Patella adansonii]]''
******Species ''[[Patella canescens]]''
****** ''[[Patella canescens]]''
******Species ''[[Patella granatina]]''
****** ''[[Patella granatina]]''
******Species ''[[Patella lugubris]]''
****** ''[[Patella lugubris]]''
******Species ''[[Patella oculus]]''
****** ''[[Patella oculus]]''
******Species ''[[Patella plumbea]]''
****** ''[[Patella plumbea]]''
*****Subgenus ''[[Scutellastra]]''
****** ''[[Scutellastra]]''
******Species ''[[Patella argenvillei]]''
****** ''[[Patella argenvillei]]''
******Species ''[[Patella barbara]]''
****** ''[[Patella barbara]]''
******Species ''[[Patella chapmani]]''
****** ''[[Patella chapmani]]''
******Species ''[[Patella exusta]]''
****** ''[[Patella exusta]]''
******Species ''[[Patella flexuosa]]''
****** ''[[Patella flexuosa]]''
******Species ''[[Patella kermadecensis]]''
****** ''[[Patella kermadecensis]]''
******Species ''[[Patella laticostata]]''
****** ''[[Patella laticostata]]''
******Species ''[[Patella longicosta]]''
****** ''[[Patella longicosta]]''
******Species ''[[Patella peronii]]''
****** ''[[Patella peronii]]''
******Species ''[[Patella tabularis]]''
****** ''[[Patella tabularis]]''
******Species ''[[Patella tucopiana]]''
****** ''[[Patella tucopiana]]''
****Genus ''[[Rhodopetala]]''
****Genus ''[[Rhodopetala]]''
******Species ''[[Rhodopetala rosea]]''
****** ''[[Rhodopetala rosea]]''


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 07:44, 7 July 2007

Limpets
Patella vulgata limpets in their natural habitat (here northwestern Galicia). One animal was separated from the rock and turned over for the photograph to have a view of the underside and muscular foot.
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Animalia
Phylum:
Mollusca
Class:
Gastropoda
Order:
Patellogastropoda

Lindberg, 1986
Suborders

See text.

Limpets are marine gastropod mollusks in the order Patellogastropoda with flattened, cone-shaped shells. They live throughout the intertidal zone, from the high zone (upper littoral zone) to the shallow subtidal on the rocky coasts of most oceans. Limpets can be commonly found attached to rocks, looking like little disks or bumps on the rock surface. They attach themselves to the substratum using pedal mucus and a muscular "foot", which enables them to remain attached through dangerous wave action and which also seals against the rock to protect from desiccation during low tide. Limpets forage by grazing on algae found on rock surfaces. They scrape films of algae from the rock with a radula, a ribbon-like tongue with rows of teeth. Limpets move by rippling the muscles of their foot in a wave-like motion.

Most limpets are less than 3 in (8 cm) long, but a West Mexican Limpet grows to be 8 in (20 cm).

In Hawaii, limpets are commonly known as 'opihi, and are considered a delicacy.

Homing behaviour

Some species of limpets return to the same spot on the rock known as a "home scar" just before the tide recedes.[citation needed] In such species, the shape of their shell often grows to precisely match the contours of the rock surrounding the scar. This behaviour presumably allows them to form a better seal to the rock and may help protect from either predation or desiccation. It is still unclear how limpets find their way back to the same spot each time, but it is thought that they follow a mucus trail left as they move. Other species, notably Lottia gigantea seem to "garden" a patch of algae around their home scar [1]. They are one of the few invertebrates to exhibit territoriality and will aggressively push other organisms out of this patch by ramming with their shell, thereby allowing their patch of algae to grow for their own grazing. Also, where the limpets eat the algae off bare rocks, it creates places where other organisms can grow and thrive.

Predators and threats

Limpets are preyed upon by a variety of organisms including starfish, shore-birds, fish, seals, and humans. Limpets exhibit a variety of defenses, such as fleeing or clamping their shells against the substratum. The defense response can be determined by the type of predator, which can often be detected chemically by the limpet.

Limpets can be long lived, with tagged specimens surviving for more than 10 years. If the limpet lives on bare rock, it grows at a slower rate but can live for up to 20 years.[citation needed]

Limpets found on exposed shores, that have fewer rock pools than sheltered shores and are thus in less frequent contact with water, have a greater risk of desiccation due to the effects of increased sunlight, water evaporation and the increased wind speed. To avoid drying out they will clamp to the rock they inhabit, minimizing water-loss from the rim around their base. As this occurs chemicals are released that promote the vertical growth of the limpet's shell.

Limpets are being researched to see if the chemicals they release have cancer-preventing qualities.[citation needed]

Taxonomy

References

  1. ^ A. L. Shanks 2002. "Previous agonistic experience determines both foraging behaviour and territoriality in the limpet Lottia gigantea". Behavioral Ecology 13(4)
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