Synonyms: Collisella pelta |Left: Top view of Lottia pelta with
barnacle. Right: Interior of Lottia pelta shell. |Photo by: Ryan
Lunsford 2002 Collected at Rosario How to Distinguish from
Similar Species: Lottia pelta can be easily confused with
Tectura scutum. The distinguishing difference is the relative
height of L. pelta as compared to the flat shell of T. scutum.
Molecular evidence being prepared in 2008 (Brian Simison's
dissertation, Berkeley, and Eernisse et al in prep.) suggests
that from Monterey Bay southward the limpets identified as
Lottia pelta are actually a sibling species. Geographical Range:
Alaska to Baja California (current work by Brian Simpson and
Eernisse et al. at Hopkins Marine Station suggests that south of
Monterey Bay the species is not L. pelta but an as-yet
undescribed species). Depth Range: Low to middle intertidal
zones Habitat: L. pelta is generally found in more protected
locations on the rocks. Biology/Natural History: The Lottia
pelta diet consists of a large variety of both