Scientific name:

Littorina obtusata

About:

A flattened whorled shell, up to 1 cm across, variable in colour but often bright yellow, orange or green. Found amongst seaweeds on which it feeds, around the lower parts of the shore.

How to identify:

<p>Told from similar snail-like periwinkles and topshells by the flattened shape and shiny, smooth shell.</p>

Where:

Found on rocky shores right around our coasts

Fantastic facts:

Periwinkles are able seal themselves into their shell by closing the door, using a round ‘operculum’.