The littorinid fauna of the Belgian coast (Mollusca, Gastropoda)

During an intensive survey of the littorinid fauna of the Belgian coast, five species were recorded alive, viz. Littorina littorea, L. saxatilis, L. obtusata, L. mariae and L. neglecta . The latter two of these are new to the Belgian fauna, but they occur only in very restricted populations. L. obtusata shows a local distribution, whereas L. littorea and L. saxatilis are both very common. For each species occuring in Belgium, detailed information on distribution, habitat and polymorphism is provided. Finally some topics for further research are outlined.