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Shield-limpet
Scutus
sp.
Family Fissurellidae |
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Shield-limpets
are commonly encountered under rocks. A Shield-limpet is often mistaken
for a slug because its shell is much smaller than its body. Its body
usually folds up around the edges of the shell and may cover most
of the shell. They come in various colours. Their body may be black
or beige, and shell white or brown.
Why Shield-limpet? 'Scutus' comes
from the word 'suctum' which is the name of the Roman shield which
the shell resembles. Shield-limpets belong to Family Fissurellidae
which includes some limpets with a hole at the top of the shell. Shield-limpets,
however, don't have a hole at the top of its shell.
Shield-limpet food: Most Shield-limpets
graze on algae. |
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quick
facts
3-5cm, common under stones on the rocky shore.
Classification:
Class Gastropoda
Phylum Mollusca |
