Eastern Longspine Limpet
NameEastern Longspine Limpet
Scientific NameLottia testudinalis
Common NameEastern Longspine Limpet
FamilyLottiidae
GenusLottia
Speciestestudinalis
Geographic DistributionNorth Atlantic Ocean, primarily along the eastern coast of North America, from the Arctic to New England, and also found in parts of Northern Europe.
Habitatintertidal
Shell Shapeconical
Average Size (mm)The specimen in the image is approximately 18-20 mm in length, based on comparison with the 27.5 mm diameter British 50 pence coin. Adult shells typically range from 15 mm to 40 mm in length.
Identifying FeaturesLow conical shell with strong, irregular radial ribs. The shell margin is often irregular or crenulated. The presence of epibionts (like the green algae visible) is common. The 'longspine' in its common name refers to the prominent radial ribbing rather than distinct spines.
Raritycommon
Author CitationMüller, 1776
Description
The Eastern Longspine Limpet is a small to medium-sized marine gastropod with a low, conical shell. Its surface is characterized by strong, irregular radial ribs, which can give the shell a somewhat rugged or 'spiny' appearance, especially at the margin. The shell color is typically mottled with shades of grey, brown, and off-white, often camouflaged by epibionts such as algae, as seen in the image. It is a common inhabitant of rocky intertidal and subtidal zones.
