Lithoredo abatanica – Species Splash

Meet the Philippine entry for International Mollusc of the Year! Lithoredo abatanica, also locally known as “antingaw” in Bohol, is the first known shipworm that lives within and eats through rock.

Unlike the rest of the shipworm family, L. abatanica bores and burrows its way through limestone rather than wood. Its shell has uniquely evolved to cut through rock: while the teeth-like denticles of tamilok and ugaong are small and sharp, L. abatanica instead has denticles that are large and blunt. The mechanism of how this odd animal gets nutrients from rock remains a mystery. Scientists believe that it may harbor symbiotic microorganisms in its gills that help break down its inorganic diet, and that further study of these digestive processes may lead to future biotechnology products. With support from the DOST National Research Council of the Philippines, the UP Marine Science Institute is currently investigating this species through the “Teredinids and Associated Microbes: A Multi-level Investigation of Lifestyles and Outstanding Compounds as Sources of Novel Therapeutics” or TAMMILOC Project.

Vote for Lithoredo abatanica! bit.ly/IMOY2026_AntingawPH

𝘓𝘪𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘥𝘰 𝘢𝘣𝘢𝘵𝘢𝘯𝘪𝘤𝘢 is found exclusively in the Abatan River of Bohol, which is honored in its species name. Like its fellow shipworms in other regions, It is also eaten as a local delicacy.

This quirky and promising clam is representing the Philippines against Italy, Australia, the United States, and Seychelles for International Mollusc of the Year 2026. The annual competition is hosted by Senckenberg, Senckenberg Ocean Species Alliance – SOSA, and Unitas Malacologica.

Let’s show our national pride and give antingaw our full support! Public voting starts today and ends on April 26.

For more information about International Mollusc of the Year, visit the official website.

Read the original 2019 paper on its discovery: https://doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.0434