Edible Periwinkle Littorina littorea
The unthreatened edible periwinkle is an herbivorous marine snail, with a dark shell that dries paler and has black-banded flattened tentacles. You can spot them all year round.
Conservation status in Norfolk
The periwinkle is not threatened.
How to help
The marine environment is under pressure and by supporting campaigns, such as the Wildlife Trust Living Seas campaign we can help the edible periwinkle and other marine invertebrates.
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Information on the Edible Periwinkle
How to recognise
This herbivorous marine snail has a shell with a globular base which tapers to a spire. It is normally grey, black or dark brown, although becomes paler in colour when the shell is dry. The flattened tentacles have black bands which are especially well defined in juvenile animals. The shell is up to 3cm in height.
Where to see
The periwinkle is an extremely abundant snail which inhabits rocky coastal habitats and also shows a preference for muddy sediment rich locations along the mid shore zone.
When to see
The periwinkle can be seen all year round on the Norfolk coast.
Did you know?
As its name suggests this species is considered a culinary delicacy by many people and needs to be cooked before eating. After boiling the soft body is ‘winked out’ from the shell using an implement known as a winkle picker!
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