Physical factors affecting the fate of pedal mucus produced by the common limpetPatella vulgata

Abstract

Physical factors affecting the fate and functional capabilities of the pedal mucus ofPatella vulgataL. deposited in the intertidal have been examined. Mucus dehydration, rehydration and degradation were assessed. Mucus dehydration is dependent on ambient wind speed, temperature and relative humidity. Of these, over naturally encountered ranges, wind speed produces the greatest water loss over a 6-h period and it is surmised that mucus deposited at mid-shore will lose >60% of its water when exposed by the tide on days when the air is not still. The more dehydrated pedal mucus is, the longer it subsequently takes when immersed to reach a fully hydrated state.