Chthamalus montagui

Andrew Cleave Montagu's Sea Snail. A specimen about 30mm long from Tean Sound, Isles of Scilly.

Martin Goodey What had they been drinking when they gave this a common name ? :-)

Andrew Cleave Indeed - looks more like a slug than a snail when it wraps its tail around itself. Presumably the same Montagu of Blenny and Harrier fame.

Andy Horton Just the one I saw was curled up like that. Pity about its common name.

Douglas Herdson George Montagu, lived in Kingsbridge, South Devon, from 1798 to 1815. He was cashiered out of the Army after leaving his family to move there with his 'companion in science' Eliza Dorville. They discovered many marine species but took an especial interest in birds. First recognition of Cirl Bunting in Britain. His discoveries were pretty good considering the instruments and literature of the time. He corresponded with Yarrell amongst others. He died of tetanus after stepping on a rusty nail during renovations to Knowle House. I stood outside it last week.

Andrew Cleave Thanks Doug - most interesting. I had wondered if there was any connection with Lord Montagu of Beaulieu. Does he have any other species bearing his name?

Andy Horton Montagu's Harrier is well known. I bet there are others though. I have got an idea there is a mollusc as well which why the second part of the common name for this fish I don't like.

Andrew Cleave Apart from the Harrier, the Blenny and the Sea Snail I have not come across any others - at least not with English names.

Andrew Cleave Have just found a few more attributed to him: Pandalus montagui, Raja montagui, Gymnangium montagui, Chthamalus montagui, Jujubinus montagui, Lunatia montagui, Astarte montagui, Alvania montagui ..........