Littoraria angulifera (Mangrove Periwinkle)

The mangrove periwinkle inhabits tropical Atlantic estuaries and mangrove forests. Adults climb living mangrove trees, especially the roots, trunks, and branches of red mangroves, and spend much of their lives above the water. They graze the films of fungi, algae, and other microscopic material growing on bark. Young snails occupy shaded leaves and small branches near the water before moving higher as they grow. The rounded shell has several whorls and spiral grooves, with considerable variation in color. Larvae spend their early life in the water. Researchers have investigated the species as an indicator of environmental conditions in mangrove habitats. Photographed in Colombia.