The periwinkle snail is in the family Littorinidae and is known as a shore snail. These tiny snails are approximately 1-½ inches long and are found among rocks, on wood pilings between high and low tides, underneath docks, and in mud pools. The largest periwinkle snail, Littorina littorea, is the most common variety.
The periwinkle snail originated in Europe and was brought to Canada in the mid-1800s. It can be found all along the East Coast of the United States, from New England to Maryland. Many different types of shore and water birds feed on this snail as part of their diets. In some locations, such as the southern United States, all freshwater snails are also known as periwinkles
The Natural Fringing Marsh The natural