An analysis of morphological variation in limpets of the genus Collisella

Abstract

Shell morphology, radular length, and wet weight of soft parts were compared between three species (Collisella pelta, Collisella persona, and Collisella scutum) from one geographic locality. Shell length vs. shell height, wet weight of soft parts vs. radular length, and shell length vs. radular length are statistically significant relationships to separate the three species. Shell weight vs. wet weight of soft parts, wet weight of soft parts vs. extravisceral space, and shell volume vs. wet weight of soft parts are statistically significant relationships to separate C. scutum from either C. pelta or C. persona. These comparisons do not separate C. pelta from C. persona. Shell length vs. shell width, shell length vs. shell volume, and shell length vs. shell weight were found not to be statistically significant relationships to separate the three species. The importance of using shell length and wet weight of soft parts as a measure of animal growth is discussed.