Movement patterns of the sub-Antarctic pulmonate limpet Kerguelenella lateralis (Gould) (Mollusca: Gastropoda)

Abstract

Kerguelenella lateralis produces distinct spots on microalgal-coated rocks in the high intertidal zone at Kerguelen. Spots are the result of microalgal removal, corresponding in outline to the limpet's shell. Although limpet spots could be associated with homing behavior, K. lateralis does not exhibit this behavior. Limpets in low-and high-intertidal areas show high levels of sitespecific emigration and immigration. Rates of site-emigration (No. limpets leaving/day) are positively related with limpet density indicating that local limpet densities may influence population movements. Distances of displacement and rates of emigration and immigration are highly variable and do not differ in low-and high-intertidal sites. Lack of homing in K. lateralis may reflect characteristics of its sub-Antarctic environment: low levels of predation, few competitors, and protection from desiccation and wave action through occupation of cracks in the rocky substratum.