Invertebrate · GBIF taxon 2292830
Speckled Tegula
Tegula gallinaAlso known as Speckled Turban Snail, Speckled Top Shell
Speckled Tegula snails graze relentlessly across rocky intertidal zones, scraping film algae and kelp spores from submerged rock faces using a rasplike radula. Their stout, conical shells sport alternating dark purple-grey and off-white speckles that provide effective camouflage against barnacle-encrusted basalt and granite. During low tide, these gastropods clamp tightly onto stone surfaces or retreat into crevices, sealing their shell openings with a tough, protein-based operculum to lock in vital moisture.
IntertidalHerbivoreRocky Shore
1 / 7—observations
—countries
—peak records
Not EvaluatedConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXNot Evaluated — not placed on the risk ladderRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Microalgae
- Benthic diatoms
- Kelp spores
Predators
- Ochre Sea Star
- California Sheephead
- Shorebirds
ThreatsOcean acidification, coastal pollution, thermal stress from extreme air exposure
HabitatsRocky intertidal zones, tide pools, exposed boulder fields
Life span5–15 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyTegulidae
- SpeciesTegula gallina
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Look in Tide Pools: Search along rocky mid-intertidal ledges and shaded crevices during low tide.
- Handle Gently: Avoid prying firmly attached snails off rocks, as this can tear their muscular foot.
- Observe the Seal: Watch for the dark proteinaceous door closing tightly to prevent desiccation.
Predator no rights reserved · cc0
Close Relative (c) Rebecca Johnson, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Rebecca Johnson · cc-by
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