Amongst "invasive" species, so far as i can figure out, Littorina
littorea is a very interesting case:  So far as i understand it, the
latest research indicates it was present in sub-Boreal Canada (NFLD,
N.S.) for at least many hundreds of years  - "prior to 1200": i had a
great reference but can't find it now!! -  , then around 1860 it took
off down the New England coast, causing all sorts of havoc in its wake.

My questions are:

1) What at the "best guesses" as to why this species which had been
around for quite some time, suddenly expanded its range so quickly??

and 2) What exactly were the negative consequenses of this dramatic and
rapid range expansion?  I have read only brief descriptions, related to
the high densities it attains (often over 500 specimens per square
meter) and its food preferences: does anyone have a more detailed
account of the ecosystem alterations it caused?

From the nippy Wilds of New Scotland,
Ross Mayhew.

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