THE ECOLOGY OF THE SANDY BEACHES OF THE CAPE PENINSULA, SOUTH AFRICA PART 2: THE MODE OF LIFE OFBULLIA(GASTROPODA: PROSOBRANCHIATA)

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Abstract
This paper gives an account of the present state of our knowledge of the sandy-beach snail, Bullia, on the beaches of the Cape Peninsula. The work deals mainly with the two surf-loving species, B. digitalis and B. rhodostoma, though mention is made of B. laevissima, a species found in quiet waters. Reproductive behaviour is described for the first time. Much of the work reported concerns chemo-reception and the responses which lead to feeding. Some conclusions are reached with regard to growth and life-span. The distribution of the three species is dealt with, and the factors responsible for this distribution are discussed. Attempts to estimate the numbers of Bullia on Muizenberg beach are described. Some mention is made of water- and heat-relationships, defence mechanisms and parasites.
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