WHENEVER you collect shells from the beach, have you been curious about what makes those convenient little holes in the shell enabling you to easily thread it to make a piece of jewellery?
Or have you wondered about the inter-tidal animals which live on the Sea Cliff Coast rock-platforms?
Summer is a great time to investigate the amazing diversity of life which live between the land and the sea.
If you are a member of a Surf Life Saving Club then come and join the free information session and low-tide rock platform tour on Sunday, February 24, at Coalcliff SLSC from 1.30pm to 3.30pm.
During the session, amongst other topics, you will learn about the various shell hole drillers. The drillers are often Sand Plough Snails which lay their eggs in sausage jellies and sand collars. When the snail comes in contact with a pipi or other bivalve shell, the snail grasps the shell with the folds of its foot. The snail then produces an acid which softens the shell allowing it to be drilled by the snail’s rasp-like tongue.
The snail then inserts its tube-like proboscis into the prey and devours its victim, leaving the empty bivalve shell to wash ashore.
Other shell hole drillers include the Rock Whelk and Mulberry Whelk. The Mulberry Whelk prefers barnacles which can’t move while the Rock Whelk can drill into Cunjevoi.
Even some Octopus drill holes into Cowries and also pry the trapdoor off Turban Shells.
If you wish to attend, please email your interest to Ms Jenelle McWilliam mingara7@bigpond.com.au
[website]http://www.pittwater.nsw.gov.au/cec/home/photo_galleries/marine_collection_-_donated_by_isobel_bennett[/website]
[email]mingara7@bigpond.com.au[/email]
[source_author]Jenelle McWilliam[/source_author]
