Common Limpet
NameCommon Limpet
Scientific NamePatella vulgata
Common NameCommon Limpet
FamilyPatellidae
GenusPatella
Speciesvulgata
Geographic DistributionNortheast Atlantic Ocean, including the coasts of Western Europe from Norway to Portugal, and the British Isles.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)30-60
Identifying FeaturesStrongly conical, cap-shaped shell with prominent radial ribs on the exterior. The interior features a smooth, often pearly surface with a horseshoe-shaped muscle scar. Known for its strong adhesion to rocks.
Raritycommon
Author CitationLinnaeus, 1758
Description
The image displays two Common Limpet shells on a coarse, sandy substrate. One shell is shown from the exterior, revealing its conical, cap-like shape with distinct radial ribs and a mottled brown, grey, and white coloration. The other shell is inverted, exposing its interior, which is smooth, off-white to greyish, with a prominent, somewhat horseshoe-shaped muscle scar in the center.
