Studies on Local Populations of the Freshwater Limpet Ancylus fluviatilis Muller

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Abstract
It is found only on exposed rock or bare stone, but, with this limitation, is remarkably tolerant, being found in poor lakes, high ponds, quarry pools, and small streams where no or few other spp. of snail occur. It was found down to a depth of 5 m in Windermere. Chain copulation seems to be the rule in the English Lake District. A single individual probably lays about 50 eggs in between 10 and 20 capsules. Death follows egg-laying. In sheltered stations in Windermere and the steep part of small streams, specimens grew during the winter and bred early, the new generation appearing in May. Some members of this generation bred again the same summer. In exposed parts of Winder-mere and slower parts of streams, growth was slower in winter, breeding was about 3 months later and there was never a 2d generation. Population density ranged up to 6000 specimens in 10 minutes of collecting, but no explanation of the differing densities is advanced. At any place population density was rather constant throughout the year. Limpets appear to feed by grazing unselectively on the algal felt that covers the substratum. Many harbor a sp. of oligochaete and a sp. of chironomid larva beneath shell.

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