How to Distinguish from Similar Species: Crepidula nummaria has a yellow-brown periostracum. Crepidula fornicata has the apex to the side. Few other species besides this one live inside gastropod shells with hermit crabs. Geographical Range: Vancouver Island to Baja California Depth Range: Almost completely subtidal in Puget Sound Habitat: Occasionally on rock, often inside apertures of shells, inside holes of rock-boring clams. Biology/Natural History: In Alaska, is sometimes found on the operculum of the Oregon (hairy) triton, Fusitron oregonensis. Crepidula nummaria may be synonymous with this species. The systematics needs to be worked out better. The females brood their young, which can distinguish this species from C. nummaria.
References:Dichotomous Keys:Flora and Fairbanks, 1966 Kozloff 1987, 1996 Smith and Carlton, 1975 General References:
Scientific Articles:
Web sites:
General Notes and Observations: Locations, abundances, unusual behaviors:
Authors and Editors of Page: Dave Cowles (2005): Created original page |