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Common periwinkle — printable fact sheet
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Animal Fact Sheet
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Common periwinkle
Littorina littorea
The common periwinkle is a small marine snail that inhabits rocky shorelines and coastal habitats throughout the North Atlantic. Its shell is typically dark gray or brown, smooth, and measures up to 3 cm in height. This hardy mollusk is highly adaptable, able to survive exposure…
Did you know?
- Despite their small size, common periwinkles are considered a delicacy in many cultures and are often collected for human consumption.
- Common periwinkles can seal themselves inside their shells with a tough operculum to avoid desiccation during low tide. They were introduced to North America from Europe and are now widely established along the Atlantic coast. Their grazing activity can significantly alter the composition of intertidal algal communities.
What I learned
Draw the common periwinkle
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