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Northern Yellow Periwinkle

Littorina obtusata

Photo by Machi
Published on Project Noah
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43.5621, -70.2194

Field Notes

Description:

Bright yellow snail. I have often found the empty shells, but never a live one. I was surprised to find the snail inside was yellow too.

Habitat:

Tide pool at low tide

Reference Links:

Northern Yellow Periwinkle - Littorina obtusata - Overview, Littorina obtusata, Flat periwinkle videos, photos and facts - Littorina obtusata | ARKive

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (1)
Christine Y.
Looks like Littorina obtusata. They have a flat spire and are often yellow and thus are referred to as the "jewel of the intertidal". They rely on rockweed and lay their eggs on it - maybe you'll find some if you look next time- they are white, kidney-shaped masses.

Spotted for Missions

Mission
Coastal Wildlife of Northeastern U.S.
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Nature in Yellow
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Wildlife of Northeastern USA
Mission
BioBlitz, Maine
Photographed
PublishedMay 18, 2016

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