Movement patterns and feeding behavior of the limpet tectura testudinalis (Müller) along the mid-Maine Coast

Author (Your Name)

Joshua Lord, Colby College

Date of Award

2008

Document Type

Honors Thesis (Open Access)

Department

Colby College. Biology Dept.

Advisor(s)

David H. Firmage

Second Advisor

Catherine R. Bevier

Abstract

Tectura testudinalis is a limpet that lives in the mid-intertidal zone along the coast of Maine and grazes on a variety of encrusting algae. A previous study asserted that T. testudinalis preferred to feed and rest on the encrusting alga Clathromorphum circumscriptum and that this species of limpet displayed homing behavior. However, I show that T. testudinalis does not home or return to any specific substrate while resting. Conclusive evidence was found for nocturnal movement. I show that C. circumscriptum was the preferred food source for this limpet, closely followed by Hildenbrandia rubra, another encrusting alga. Field and lab experiments showed that T. testudinalis individuals feed and search for food at night and then move to vertical surfaces and become stationary during the day.

Keywords

Aquatic invertebrates, Behavior, Tortoiseshell limpet, Maine, Atlantic Coast Habitat selection

Recommended Citation

Lord, Joshua, "Movement patterns and feeding behavior of the limpet tectura testudinalis (Müller) along the mid-Maine Coast" (2008). Honors Theses. Paper 243.
https://digitalcommons.colby.edu/honorstheses/243

Copyright

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