Home Scar
Limpets are incredible organisms. They can withstand the heaviest seas, can live despite being baked by the sun and desiccated on hard rock, and may reach 20 years old. They live a life roaming underwater, feeding on algae growing on the rocks and, at just the right time, return home to the exact spot they left.
As they settle down into their comfortable home position, they wear away the rock. Eventually they leave a scar on the rock where their shell fits a slight depression in the rock perfectly. It’s not much, but a home scar is what a limpet calls home.
We all leave a home scar somewhere.
Westray has my home scar.
More Limpets
Limpets and gypsum pseudomorphs A fine day means the chance to walk the Westray coast: The blues are spectacular and the rocks are fascinating… read more
Green-haired Limpet I suspect this Limpet has been experimenting with a new hairstyle. That green hair must be quite high maintenance, because… read more
The Limpet Twins Limpets are a personal favourite of mine; especially with garlic. No, seriously I love the rock-licking kneecaps a great deal.… read more
For the love of Limpets All Limpets start life as neuters and develop into males at about a year old. When they get to between… read more
Shelter I've spent two entire days of my life crawling up the seashore measuring the height and diameter of limpets. The… read more
Limpets on the edge These three limpets are living on the edge. Their shells have been buffeted and battered so much by stones carried… read more
Green hair This limpet has the best hair colour - a green fringe of seaweed. Beautiful. I can also see a ghostly… read more
Something’s been licking the rocks again Something's been travelling very slowly and licking the rocks from side to side. It must be the Limpets again. read more
Fresh Limpet This Limpet looks so fresh and clean but I just can't bring myself to eat it. I think it was… read more