Unique cuticular morphology of a truly marine insect, Echinophthirius horridus von Olfers, 1816 (Phthiraptera: Echinophthiriidae)

White, T.; Miko, I.

doi:10.1101/2024.10.03.616551

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bioRxiv · 10.1101/2024.10.03.616551

Unique cuticular morphology of a truly marine insect, Echinophthirius horridus von Olfers, 1816 (Phthiraptera: Echinophthiriidae)

White, T.·Miko, I.

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Abstract

Echinophthiriidae is a family of aquatic lice parasitizing aquatic carnivorans, each member distinguished by their uniquely modified, curved setae. Echinophthirius horridus is known to parasitize a wide range of phocid (earless) seals as opposed to exhibiting the more species-specific parasitism of other echinophthiriid lice. In this study, we use a combination of bright field microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and line drawings to provide a detailed description of the general body setae of E. horridus and discuss its possible significance as an adaptation to a marine lifestyle.

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White, T., Miko, I.. 2024-10-04. Unique cuticular morphology of a truly marine insect, Echinophthirius horridus von Olfers, 1816 (Phthiraptera: Echinophthiriidae). https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.10.03.616551

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