Until recently, the only otter-shell Lutraria known from the Belgian coast was Lutraria angustior (Philippi, 1844). The species is known to occur on offshore sandbanks such as the Flemish Banks. Because this species lives somewhat further offshore and rather deep in the sediment, findings on the beach were rather scarce and mainly on the Belgian 'west coast' i.e. the beach between Nieuwpoort and De Panne. Recently a second species, L. lutraria (Linnaeus, 1758) was discovered. The first documented, but initially not recognised, record dates from 17 December 2000. During the last months of 2001, L. lutraria proved to be quite common on the beaches of the west coast: many juvenile specimens but also older individuals have been found. On the Belgian west coast, both Lutraria species can now be found especially after periods of rough weather. Beneath a review of the known findings of L. lutraria -so far only beached specimens - the discriminating characters of both species are discussed. The occurrence of L. lutraria is another indication of ongoing changes in the Belgian marine fauna. |
