Mollusca of rocky shores: Lewis and Harris, Outer Hebrides

Abstract

The history of previous molluscan work in the Outer Hebrides shows that most work has been done offshore, and that the littoral zone of Lewis and Harris has been neglected. In the present paper mollusc populations of different macro- and micro-habitats are examined empirically, and compared and contrasted with each other. Habitats have been chosen to exhibit as wide a variety of environment as possible, from the wave-lashed exposed rocks facing the Atlantic to the very sheltered sea lochs opening into the Minch. The richness and diversity of the fauna is noted.