The Mangrove Periwinkle
The Mangrove Periwinkle, Littoraria angulifera, has a small spiral shell that is commonly about 3 cm high (Hosein). Despite its colorful shell, this species of snail has a gray operculum. But its carapace is full of beautiful colors. The color pattern of the shell is a combination of green, orange, and yellow with black slanted markings. These markings decorate the shell from its opening to the top. Additionally, the 6 to 7 whorls that end in a pointed top give this snail an attractive look.
The mangrove periwinkle population spreads from South Florida to South America. They also inhabit the Caribbean Islands and spans in Africa from Senegal to Angola (Hosein). In these regions, the mangrove periwinkle, just like its name suggests, lives in mangrove areas. Here, juvenile periwinkles stay living near the tideline until they reach adulthood. After that, adult snails inhabit trunks, stems, roots, and leaves of mangroves trees.
The diet of this species consists of algae, fungi, and other plant materials, but this mollusk is also an important food source for various animals.
Works Cited: Hosein, Trent. “Littoraria Angulifera (Mangrove Periwinkle).” UWI: The Online Guide to the Animals of Trinidad and Tobago, 2015.
Photo Credit: Aymee Laurain
Author: Steven Marquez – Student, Valencia College
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