How Limpets Stick.

Pelorus Guardian and Miners' Advocate., Volume 29, Issue 47, 19 June 1917, Page 2

How Limpets Stick.

Everyone is familiar with the saying “to stick like a limpet,” but there are not so many who know how it is that a limpet is able to stick as it does to the rocks upon which it passes its existence. The creature is able, by means of the central portion of its body, which can be raised independently of the edge or frill which surrounds it, to create a vacuum, much in the same way that a piece of soft wet leather can be made to adhere to a smooth surface by pressing out; all the air. Thus the so-called “strength” of the limpet is largely due to atmospheric pressure. It is not entirely so, however, for if they are closely examined it will 1)6 seen that the shells accommodate themselves round the edges of the surface of the rock upon which the limpet is located, and if removed to another spot the edge of the shell will probably be found to be a very bad fit, and the creature’s power of adhesion somewhat lessened. If taken by surprise with a smart sidelong blow even a large limpet is easily enough dislodged ; but, given the slightest warning, its power of suction is instantly brought into play, and very often considerable force is then necessary ere it can be detached.