Littorina obtusata (flat periwinkle)
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Phylum: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Order: Megagastropoda
Family: Littorinidae
One of two species commonly known as flat periwinkles L.obtusata has a body whorl that is larger than the aperture in contrast to L.mariae that has an enlarged aperture. The most varied in colour of all periwinkles L.obtusata is frequently bright yellow but is also found in shades of green, brown, orange, black or striped. Eggs are laid in small gelatinous masses along the fronds of F.vesiculosus or A.nodosum and emerge as fully formed miniature periwinkles. Most commonly found in association with the large marine alga Fucus vesiculosus and Ascophyllum nodosum on which is feeds and shelters beneath during low tide relying on the cover to prevent dessication.
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