The photos above and below show limpets keying to Lottia pelta, found on Egregia kelp on the beach at San Simeon, CA August 2010. Photos by Dave Cowles Note the mottled color on this individual, while the smaller, partly obscured individual to the left and another in the photo above are nearly black on the outside of the shell. Outside coloration in this species is highly variable, reflecting the genetic variability within the species.
Lottia pelta Shield Limpet Left: Top view of Lottia pelta with barnacle. Right: Interior of Lottia pelta shell. Photo by: Ryan Lunsford 2002 Collected at Rosario
Lottia pelta Shield Limpet Left: Top view of Lottia pelta with barnacle. Right: Interior of Lottia pelta shell. Photo by: Ryan Lunsford 2002 Collected at Rosario
