Tectarius muricatus

The "Beaded Periwinkle"

Introduction:
Partners in Slime

Background information:
Littorina saxatilis
Taxonomic Info
Life History
Habitat
Stresses for L.saxatilis to overcome
Invasive?

Background information:
Tectarius muricatus

Rocky Intertidal

The Study:
Nahant Project
Methods
Results
Discussion

Sub-study:
Bermuda Project
 

Works Cited

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  T.muricatus is a littorinid gastropod inhabiting hard substrates (like rock or limestone) above the high water mark of intertidal zones in Florida and the Caribbean. It is most common on rocks in high wave energy areas relatively empty of vegetation. Many individuals near the highest limit of its distribution are, in dry periods, attached by a mucous film to the vegetation. These snails are characterized by the bumps or 'beads' all over their surfaces.

   T.muricatus is only active and feeding when moistened by spray from waves. These snails appear totally inactive in good weather by day and even good weather by night. This species has considerable tolerance to desiccation and thermal stress. If placed in a sea water aquarium it will quickly crawl above the water line (Hamilton & Winter 1984). Adaptations of snails to live successfully has been studying extensively. These snails have considerable temperature tolerance, low water loss during emersion, and ability to minimize water loss through utilizing uric acid as a waste product (Emson, et al 2002).

   Interesting study: In a study by Hamilton and Winter (1984) data was presented on visually mediated response of three gastropods including T.muricatus. It was found that T.muricatus had slightly higher response thresholds in only one binary choice test, which suggested that visual cues are important in its movement habits (Hamilton & Winter 1984)

  Presence of large individuals at the highest levels during the peak of breeding season (during this time they usually migrate to the sea if conditions are favorable) might suggest they some snails do not breed every year (Emson et al, 2002)

Glossary

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T.muricatus
Photo from http://www.seashells.org/index.html

T.muricatus
Photo from http://www.seashells.org/index.html