Lottiidae

Lottiidae is a family of small to medium-sized marine gastropods in the clade Patellogastropoda, commonly referred to as true limpets. Members possess a cap-like shell that is typically ribbed, with the apex near the forward margin. A broad muscular foot enables strong adhesion to rocks, allowing attachment in dynamic intertidal environments. They graze on microalgae and biofilm on hard substrates using their radula to scrape food.

Ecology and distribution: Lottiids inhabit rocky shores in temperate and cold marine waters, from the intertidal to shallow subtidal zones. They are typically sessile and show site fidelity, often returning to the same spot after feeding. Reproduction is sexual; fertilization is external in many species, and larval development proceeds through free-swimming trochophore and veliger stages before settling as juvenile limpets.

Systematics: Lottiidae is placed within the order Patellogastropoda and includes several genera, with Lottia as the type genus. The taxonomy of limpets has been revised in light of molecular studies, which have helped clarify relationships within Patellogastropoda, though species delimitation can remain challenging due to morphological conservatism.

Human relevance: While not of major commercial importance, lottiids are ecologically important members of rocky shore communities and are often used as model organisms in studies of intertidal ecology, biogeography, and biomonitoring.