Acorn Barnacle Collection

Split level of Acorn barnacles (Balanus glandula) just below the surface, Seven Tree Island, Browning Pass, Queen Charlotte Strait, British Columbia, Canada. September

Illustration of acorn barnacle at low tide, keeping upper plates closed over feeding limbs, and covered by tide, with plates open and limbs spread out to feed

Illustration of animals living on the shore beneath beach surface, channelled wrack, rough periwinkle, acorn barnacle, bladder wrack, beadlet anemone, oarweed, sea squirt, scarlet starfish

Montagus Stellate Barnacle (Chthamalus montagui) adults, group exposed on rocks at low tide, Kimmeridge, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset, England, April

Barnacle glue, SEM
Barnacle glue. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of a section through the byssus (glue threads) of an acorn barnacle (Elminius modestus)

Acorn barnacles, SEM
Acorn barnacles. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of three acorn barnacles (Elminius modestus) attached to a rock

Barnacle, 19th century artwork C016 / 5989
Acorn barnacle (Coronula diarnderna), watercolour. Plate 10 by Anna Atkins from her 256 original drawings for Lamarcks Genera of shells (1822-24)

Pollicipes mitella
These barnacles were collected by Hugh Cuming who is mostly known for collecting shells. He gave Darwin his barnacle collection to study

Balanus tintinnabulum, balanidae barnacles
Plate 1 by George Sowerby from Charles Darwins Monograph on the sub-class Cirripedia, with figures of all the species: the Balan

Balanus tintinnabulum, bell barnacle
Watercolour by Olivia Fanny Tonge (1858-1949). Sized 180 x 260mm. From one of sixteen sketchbooks presented to the Museum in 1952

Coronula diarnderna
Plate 10, watercolour by Anna Atkins from her 256 original drawings for Lamarcks Genera of shells, 1822-24

Acorn barnacle (Balanus balanus). This barnacle is found at depths of up to 60 metres. Photographed in the White Sea, Russia

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The acorn barnacle, scientifically known as Balanus glandula, is a fascinating arthropod that has captured the attention of scientists and artists alike since the 19th century. This captivating creature exhibits a split level just below the water's surface, making it an intriguing subject for study. In a stunning colour lithograph from around 1860, we can observe the intricate details of these acorn barnacles. At low tide, they keep their upper plates closed over their feeding limbs to protect themselves. However, when covered by the tide, their plates open up and their limbs spread out in order to feed. These remarkable animals are not alone in their habitat; they share space with other marine organisms beneath the beach surface. Among them are channelled wrack, rough periwinkle, bladder wrack, beadlet anemone, oarweed, sea squirt and even scarlet starfish, and is truly a bustling community thriving in harmony along our shores. One particular species of barnacle that stands out is Montagus Stellate Barnacle (Chthamalus montagui). These adults gather together on rocks during low tide at Kimmeridge Bay. The sight of these exposed creatures creates a mesmerizing spectacle against the backdrop of crashing waves. What makes these acorn barnacles even more extraordinary is their ability to produce adhesive glue that allows them to firmly attach themselves to various surfaces. In scanning electron microscope images showcasing this unique adaptation called "barnacle glue, " we gain insight into its composition and structure. Artists have also been captivated by these crustaceans throughout history. A 19th-century artwork depicts an exquisite rendering of a barnacle – highlighting its intricate form and delicate features with great precision. Other notable species within this family include Pollicipes mitella and Balanus tintinnabulum or bell barnacles which add further diversity to this already fascinating group.