A novel mantle-margin gland system in Tectura virginea (Patellogastropoda).

Ampuero, Andre; Tilic, Ekin; Martel, Carlos; Stevenson, Philip C.; Ibáñez, Alfredo; Sigwart, Julia D.

A novel mantle-margin gland system in Tectura virginea (Patellogastropoda).

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Ampuero, Andre

Tilic, Ekin

Martel, Carlos

Stevenson, Philip C.

Ibáñez, Alfredo

Sigwart, Julia D.

Date published

January 21, 2026

Abstract

Glandular defensive systems remain poorly understood in many marine invertebrates. Here, we investigated the anatomy and chemical composition of mantle-margin glands in the true limpet Tectura virginea. These glands produce a persistent, thread-like secretion that emerges from the exposed mantle edge in response to mechanical stimulation. Light and electron microscopy revealed large glands, each dominated by a single voluminous secretory cell surrounded by quiescent precursors and ring musculature, suggesting a holocrine expulsion mechanism. Liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry identified over 80 compounds, including disulfides, sulfonates and organic acids. Their presence suggests that the secretion may act as a chemical barrier against microbial colonization or small invertebrate predators. Several major compounds, such as 1-(propyldisulfanyl)-1-(propylsulfinyl)propane, have potential defensive roles. The anatomical position of the glands and the biochemical diversity of their products suggest a defensive role. Our findings support the interpretation of these mantle-margin glands as a novel repugnatorial system, representing a unique adaptation among patellogastropods. These findings highlight the potential for secretory and defensive functions in the mantle-margin glands of T. virginea, underscoring the broader relevance of such glands in less-studied lineages.