Introduced Species
Summary Project
Rough Periwinkle (Littorina saxatilis)
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Scientific Name: Littorina saxatilis
Classification:
Phylum
or Division: Mollusca
Class: Gastropoda
Subclass: Prosobranchia
Order: Neotaenioglossa
Family: Littorinoidea
Original Distribution: Littorina
saxatilis has a wide dispersal in the
Current
Distribution:
Littorina saxatilis is currently
invasive in the
Site
and Date of Introduction:
Mode(s) of Introduction: There is no certainty of mode of introduction. However, it is the general concensus that the
invasion was likely due to the association with bait or live seafood
transport. They have been associated
with an Atlantic alga (Ascophyllum nodosum), which is often used
as packing material for shipments of live animals.
Reason(s) Why
it has Become Established: Littorina saxatilis is successful in
becoming established in a previously foreign area in that it has a capacity to
feed on newly settled barnacles and can compete successfully with other like
organisms for food supplies. The study
described below intends to pursue further research on successful invasion of
this species.
Ecological Role: This snail is primarily herbivorous and is known to affect algal bloom dynamics and can prey upon newly-settled barnacles.
Benefit(s): Unable to find any evidence on this front.
Threat(s): Observations of the behavior of Littorina saxatilis in the
Control Level
Diagnosis: Some experts believe that
the rough periwinkle should be easily eradicated. For one thing, it does not possess a larval
stage of development which would increase its chances of spreading via a
“free floating state” to other areas. So far, its invasive range is
believed to be restricted to areas within the
Control Method: No method is yet forthcoming for the removal of this
specific species. In general, biocides,
manual removal of marine invaders, and the introduction of biocontrol agents have been considered in the removal of invaders of
marine systems. However, little has been done in the way of eradication and, in
addition, pursuing research in this area in general. There is concern that any research to be
conducted should include the study of ways to avoid reintroduction of the
species. A study sponsored by NOAA and
the
Author: Debbie Graham
Last Edited:
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