Mask Limpet
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations/184181081
Blink and you might miss it! This little snail was a tiny surprise I discovered after picking up a random rock on the beach. Considering the moist and rocky environments I knew snails had to be frequenting the area, but I had yet to meet one in Alaska. This Mask Limpet was about the size of a cheerio and blended in with his rocky surroundings very well. At the time of our encounter, the sun was dipping behind the horizon and the tide was on its way out. Dusk was prime snail time because the Mask Limpet, "attaches to rocks and other hard surfaces; it shelters under rocks and ledges and in deep cracks and crevices during the day, and emerges at night to range more widely across the intertidal zone"(Fretwell and Starzomski). While my snail acquaintance was minuscule and I estimate was around 1 centimeter in shell diameter, these types of snails can reach upwards of 5 centimeters!
I have quite an affinity for snails and have fond memories of my former pet snails I have had throughout my life. At one point in high school, I unintentionally ended up with hundreds of tiny snails after my snails reproduced at what felt like an exponential rate. I lovingly referred to the herd of snails as Snabies, as in snail babies. At another point in my life while living in Brooklyn I took care of a snail named Louisiana Fast who was, as her name suggests, quite fast but only when captured via time-lapse video. I would not have anticipated drawing connections to various points of my life through my snail encounters and explorations, but I’m grateful for it nonetheless. The chance encounter with a Mask Limpet on the beach was not only a fun discovery but also a reminder of the other snails who I have crossed paths with throughout my life.
Fretwell, Kelly, and Brain Starzomski. “Mask Limpet • Tectura Persona.” Biodiversity of the Central Coast, 2014, www.centralcoastbiodiversity.org/mask-limpet-bull-tectura-persona.html.
Comments
I blinked and missed it! To be honest, I thought your observation was a rock at first; I had to zoom in on the photo, and even then, it was hard to tell it was a snail. Like you said, it blends into the rock almost perfectly, which must help protect it against predators. I find the snails rather cute creatures; the only thing I don't like about them is how slimy they can be. I also liked how you talked about your history with snails and all the encounters you had with them. I didn't know that snails lay so many eggs or that they reproduced fast. I really enjoyed your observation of a snail this week, and I can't wait to see more.
Hi, Jillian! Great introduction to your post and I thoroughly enjoyed reading your description of the Mask Limpet animal and how you came to find it hanging out on the beach rock. Though I did not have snails growing up, as you did, I do have two Nerite snails currently in my freshwater fish tank who keep with my beta, Gilly, and Cory catfish company. I consider them my babies as well but they can for sure multiply like crazy if you are not careful and then you will have dozens overnight! The snail Louisiana Fast that you cared for in Brooklyn sounds like a character and, the more stories you share, the more fun your time in the big city of New York sounds.
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