Littorinimorpha: Marine gastropods 2

Littorinimorpha: Marine gastropods 2

Littorinimorpha: Marine gastropods 2 is the second of five volumes. Many species are familiar, including periwinkles, cowries and necklace-shells.

Since finding empty shells is common, the keys are based primarily on the characters shown by fully-grown shells. Additionally some external body features are included when they offer important aids to identification. There is also a key to all families of shelled marine gastropods found around Britain and Ireland. Each species account is headed by the currently accepted name, including taxonomic authority and date. Where applicable there is a list of alternative names for reference. Some very familiar species, such as the Large Necklace-shell, have changed names several times in the past. Accompanying text covers diagnostic characters as well as habitat, food and distribution.

Generally caenogastropod molluscs have a coiled shell. But in the slug-like Lamellariidae, the shell is only a small internal remnant. A few species are limpet-like, while others exhibit a wide range of shape, size and ornament. Most species possess an operculum.

Synopses of the British Fauna is a series of identification guides. Each volume in the series is a detailed account of a group of animals. They bridge the gap between standard field guides and more specialised monograph or treatise. Since 1993 the the Field Studies Council has published these guides on behalf of the Linnean Society.

These volumes are suitable for the lab or field. The editors aim to keep them as user friendly as possible, with technical terminology at a minimum and a glossary of terms. However the complexity of the subject matter makes the books more suitable for the more experienced practitioner.