Plate Limpet

Lottia scutum

Lottia scutum is a true limpet characterized by its broad, flat shell, which can grow up to sixty millimetres long. The shell's apex is positioned near the front, and the anterior slope is smooth and convex, featuring inconspicuous riblets. The coloration of the shell varies from grey to tan, adorned with whitish spots and rays. The animal can be distinguished from other species by its golden brown cephalic tentacles located on its head. This species inhabits the Pacific coast of North America, ranging from the Bering Sea down to Point Conception, California. Lottia scutum is typically found in shallow waters, with a depth range of 0 to 15 meters, and occurrences have been recorded at depths shallower than 40 meters. It prefers rocky substrates, making it a common sight in coastal environments. In terms of diet, Lottia scutum primarily feeds on algae, grazing on the surfaces of rocks where it resides. The reproductive strategy of this species involves being gonochoric and utilizing a broadcast spawning method, where embryos develop into planktonic trocophore larvae before maturing into juvenile veligers. Divers may encounter Lottia scutum while exploring rocky reefs and tide pools, often observing its distinctive shell and behavior. The conservation status of this species is currently listed as Not Evaluated, indicating that further research may be needed to assess its population health.