winkle

Winkle is the common name for several small edible sea snails in the family Littorinidae, most notably Littorina littorea, the common periwinkle. Native to the rocky shores of the North Atlantic coast of Europe, it has also been introduced to parts of North America and other regions. These snails inhabit the intertidal zone, usually on exposed rocky shores where they graze on biofilm, microalgae, and detritus on the surface of rocks. They are small gastropods, typically 1 to 2 centimeters in diameter, with a rounded, spiraled shell that is often olive, gray, or brown with darker markings. They possess a muscular foot and an operculum that closes the shell when exposed to air.

Reproduction in winkles varies by species; many produce egg capsules that are attached to substrates, and some species have free-swimming larval stages. Population dynamics are influenced by tidal exposure, waves, salinity, and temperature.

Humans have long collected winkles as a coastal food source, especially in Britain and Ireland. They are typically gathered at low tide, boiled in salted water, and the meat removed from the shell for eating, sometimes used in stews or sauces. They also serve as bait in some fisheries and as a subject of ecological study.

Conservation concerns include overharvesting, habitat degradation, and climate-related changes in intertidal zones. In many regions, collection is regulated to protect local populations.