HUNDREDS of whelk capsules have been spotted across our coastlines in the last month as spawning season takes hold.
Sightings of these large empty egg capsules have been reported as Highcliffe and Shell Bay.
The common whelk lives on sandy seabeds below the low tide mark and is the largest sea snail found in our waters.
Spawning takes place from October to May, copulation occurs and once fertilised, females move rocks, shells or stones to attach their eggs.
READ MORE: House of Fraser closing its doors for the final time today
READ MORE: Met Office predict 60mph winds to batter Dorset
Several females will group capsules together but not all will develop; some will act as food for growing embryos. Development occurs within the capsules until fully formed whelks hatch in the winter, usually after around four to five months.
The eggs are inside protective lens shaped capsules which are stuck together in a sponge like mass – each capsule can contain up to 1000 eggs and up to 2000 capsules. Once hatched, these balls of empty egg capsules often wash up on shore.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel