Evolutionary retention of defensive lateral pedal glands in the smallest siphonariid limpet (Gastropoda: Pulmonata)

2015/10/02 by Shirley C Pinchuck, B. R. Allanson, Alan N. Hodgson · 1 citation
Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology · #Marine Sponges and Natural Products #Mollusks and Parasites Studies #Protist diversity and phylogeny

paper · doi:10.1080/15627020.2015.1106925

openalex publication_date 2015/10/02 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/20

Abstract

Despite its cryptic habitat and habits, light and transmission electron microscopy has revealed that like many other siphonariids Siphonaria compressa, the smallest species of this genus, possesses lateral pedal glands. The pear-shaped glands (about 120 µm long×70 µm maximum diameter) open via a pore, and are multicellular with three types of secretory cell that surround a central lumen. The glands of this minute pulmonate limpet are similar in structure to its larger relatives, suggesting that they are defensive in function.

Citations

• NOTES ON THE TAXONOMY, SPAWN AND LARVAL DEVELOPMENT OF SOUTH AFRICAN SPECIES OF THE INTERTIDAL LIMPET SIPHONARIA (GASTROPODA: PULMONATA)
• THE BIOLOGY OF SIPHONARIID LIMPETS (GASTROPODA: PULMONATA)

Cited by

• Siphonarioidea [wikipedia]

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