Patella pellucida: Difference between revisions
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| binomial = ''Patella pellucida'' |
| binomial = ''Patella pellucida'' |
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| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758 |
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|Linnaeus]], 1758 |
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| synonyms = ''Patina pellucida''<br>''Helcion pellucidum'' |
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The '''blue-rayed limpet''', ''Patella pellucida'', |
The '''blue-rayed limpet''', ''Patella pellucida'', is a [[species]] of small saltwater [[limpet]], a [[marine (ocean)|marine]] [[gastropod]] [[mollusc]] in the family [[Patellidae]], the true limpets. |
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==Range of distribution== |
==Range of distribution== |
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==Life habits== |
==Life habits== |
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The [[ |
The [[larva]]e of this limpet species settle and [[metamorphosis (biology)|metamorphose]] on the algal [[frond]]. Here it feeds on its host’s tissue using its [[radula]], leaving small depressions in the frond. |
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As the limpets grow larger, they move down the [[Stipe (botany)|stipe]] of the [[seaweed]] towards the [[holdfast]], where they establish themselves by excavating a depression. This can weaken the [[holdfast]], eventually resulting in the [[seaweed]] being dislodged by storms. The seaweed is often washed ashore, with the blue-rayed limpets still in place. |
As the limpets grow larger, they move down the [[Stipe (botany)|stipe]] of the [[seaweed]] towards the [[holdfast]], where they establish themselves by excavating a depression. This can weaken the [[holdfast]], eventually resulting in the [[seaweed]] being dislodged by storms. The seaweed is often washed ashore, with the blue-rayed limpets still in place. |
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Revision as of 20:25, 2 December 2008
| Blue-rayed limpet | |
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| Scientific classification | |
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| Species: | P. pellucida
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| Binomial name | |
| Patella pellucida Linnaeus, 1758
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| Synonyms | |
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Patina pellucida | |
The blue-rayed limpet, Patella pellucida, is a species of small saltwater limpet, a marine gastropod mollusc in the family Patellidae, the true limpets.
Range of distribution
This limpet is found on eastern Atlantic coasts from Iceland and Norway, to Portugal. It is absent from the Baltic Sea, East Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Shell description
Up to 15 mm long when fully grown, this species is easily identified by its translucent amber shell with brilliant blue spots running in lines across the top of the shell.
Habitat
The blue-rayed limpet lives primarily on Laminaria (kelp) but also on Fucus serratus on the lower shore, down to about 30 m.
Life habits
The larvae of this limpet species settle and metamorphose on the algal frond. Here it feeds on its host’s tissue using its radula, leaving small depressions in the frond.
As the limpets grow larger, they move down the stipe of the seaweed towards the holdfast, where they establish themselves by excavating a depression. This can weaken the holdfast, eventually resulting in the seaweed being dislodged by storms. The seaweed is often washed ashore, with the blue-rayed limpets still in place.