Homing Behavior of the Limpet Species Collisella scabra Living on the Limpet Species Lottia gigantea

Authors

Lee F. Braithwaite, Brigham Young University

Keywords

homing behavior, limpet species, Collisella scabra, marine mollusks

College

Life Sciences

Department

Biology

Abstract

Limpets are one-shelled marine mollusks that live on rocky beaches in the intertidal zone. The limpet species Collisella scabra is also found living on the shell of the limpet species L. gigantea. C. scabra exhibits an interesting phenomenon known as homing. This means that while not feeding, C. scabra are always found on the same spot on the rock or shell where they live. The C. scabra leave this spot, known as a home scar, to feed, but always return to it after they are done feeding. In this research, Chris Miller, Bryant Low, Christian Armstrong, and I examined the homing behavior of C. scabra limpets that are found living on the shell of L. gigantea. The research was performed at the Monterey Bay Marine Life Refuge in Monterey, California.

Recommended Citation

Braithwaite, Lee F. (2014) "Homing Behavior of the Limpet Species Collisella scabra Living on the Limpet Species Lottia gigantea," Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2014: Iss. 1, Article 750.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2014/iss1/750