Critters of the Chesapeake Bay

1. Critters of the Chesapeake Bay Marsh Periwinkles

2. Marsh Periwinkles These snails are found in salt marshes on the marsh grasses. Periwinkles have gills, but are most often found at, or above the water.

3. Marsh Periwinkles Periwinkles may climb up the grasses with the rising tide to avoid predation.

4. Marsh Periwinkles Known predators of the marsh snails include fish, blue crabs, small mammals, and diamondback terrapins.

5. Marsh Periwinkles Marsh periwinkles are herbivores that feed primarily on algae.

6. Marsh Periwinkles If there numbers are high, they will also feed on the marsh grasses. This can become a problem if they’re predators are removed.

7. Marsh Periwinkles Marsh periwinkles have a grayish white shell that may often have a greenish look from algal growth on the shell.

8. Marsh Periwinkles These snails can be very important to the total ecology of the salt marsh.