Species profile
Checkered Periwinkle
Littorina scutulata
Identify Checkered Periwinkle (Littorina scutulata) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Checkered Periwinkle (Littorina scutulata) is a marine snails (periwinkle/cowrie) with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 1,045 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with British Columbia, California, and Washington the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Its shell is dotted with white flecks on dark brown, giving it a checkered look.
- Found from Alaska to Baja California, a common sight in Pacific rocky tidepools.
- Rarely exceeds 1 cm in height — about the size of a small pea.
- Grazes on diatoms and algae films coating exposed rocks in the upper intertidal zone.
Where Checkered Periwinkle are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Checkered Periwinkle
Background
Littorina scutulata is a species of sea snail, a marine gastropod mollusk in the family Littorinidae, the winkles or periwinkles.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Checkered Periwinkle article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other marine snails (periwinkle/cowrie) on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Checkered Periwinkle?
Checkered Periwinkle (Littorina scutulata) is a marine snails (periwinkle/cowrie) with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for Checkered Periwinkle?
Checkered Periwinkle is Littorina scutulata.
Is Checkered Periwinkle regulated for fishing?
Yes — Checkered Periwinkle has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Checkered Periwinkle?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Checkered Periwinkle along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.