Austrolittorina

*Austrolittorina* is a genus of small to medium-sized sea snails, specifically marine gastropod mollusks, belonging to the family Littorinidae, commonly known as periwinkles. The genus is primarily distributed along the coastlines of the southern hemisphere, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, including Australia, New Zealand, and parts of Southeast Asia. These snails are often found in intertidal zones, inhabiting rocky shores, mangrove forests, and seagrass beds.

Members of *Austrolittorina* are characterized by their relatively small, conical shells, typically measuring between 5 and 20 millimeters in length. Their shells exhibit a variety of color patterns, often featuring bands, stripes, or mottled designs in shades of brown, gray, or white. Some species display a distinct operculum, a hard structure that seals the shell aperture when the snail retracts into its shell. Their feeding habits are primarily herbivorous, grazing on algae and other organic material.

The taxonomy of *Austrolittorina* has undergone revisions, with some species previously classified under other genera such as *Littorina* or *Bembicium*. Molecular and morphological studies have helped clarify their relationships, distinguishing them as a distinct lineage adapted to southern hemisphere environments. Ecologically, these snails play a role in nutrient cycling and serve as prey for various marine predators, including birds and fish.

Conservation status varies among species, with some populations facing threats from habitat destruction, pollution, and invasive species. However, many *Austrolittorina* species remain widespread and are not currently listed as endangered. Their ecological and aesthetic significance makes them of interest to marine biologists, ecologists, and shell collectors alike.