Diodora dorsata
NameDiodora dorsata
Scientific NameDiodora dorsata
Common NameKeyhole limpet, Fissurellid limpet
FamilyFissurellidae
GenusDiodora
Speciesdorsata
Geographic DistributionEastern Atlantic Ocean (from British Isles south to West Africa, including Macaronesia) and the Mediterranean Sea.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)17 x 12 x 6
Identifying FeaturesConical, oval shell with a prominent keyhole-shaped apical foramen. Strong cancellate sculpture created by intersecting radial ribs and concentric growth lines, often forming nodules. Crenulated or scalloped shell margin.
Raritycommon
Author CitationMonterosato, 1878
Description
A small to medium-sized keyhole limpet characterized by its conical, oval shell and a prominent apical foramen. The shell exhibits a strong cancellate sculpture, formed by intersecting radial ribs and concentric growth lines, which often results in a beaded or nodulose surface texture. The shell margin is typically crenulated, reflecting the underlying radial ribbing.
