Small periwinkle

The small periwinkle (Littorina neritoides) is a small marine gastropod mollusk belonging to the family Littorinidae. Although this species is primarily an inhabitant of the intertidal zone of sea coasts, in an agronomic context, it is considered a specific biological factor affecting coastal halophytic plants and algae cultivated in maritime agriculture and aquaculture.

Systematically, this species belongs to the order Littorinimorpha. Its anatomy is perfectly adapted to the extreme conditions of the supralittoral zone, where the mollusk spends most of its time out of the water, attaching itself to rocks or plant stems with mucus, which allows it to survive long periods of desiccation.

The biology and life cycle of this mollusk are closely tied to the marine environment. Reproduction occurs by releasing eggs into the water column, from which planktonic larvae known as veligers emerge. After metamorphosis, the juveniles settle on a substrate, including coastal vegetation. The life cycle is characterized by high plasticity, ensuring the population's survival in conditions of varying salinity and temperature.

The damage caused by the small periwinkle involves the intensive scraping of epiphytic microalgae and young plant tissues using its radula. At high population densities, these mollusks can significantly damage the aerial parts of halophytes, leading to reduced productivity and stunted growth, particularly in areas designated for the cultivation of marine crops.

Protection measures against this species include restricting mollusk access to cultivated plants using physical barriers or adjusting the tidal flooding regime of the plots. In aquaculture settings, effective methods include regular cleaning of substrates and monitoring the density of the gastropod population during periods of mass settlement on young plant shoots.