With a new week comes a new louse. This week we’ve got a weird one, and it’s GIGANTIC (unlike last week’s teeny meeny flying squirrel louse). It has short hair-like structures (setae), which are highly dispersed on its body. And look at those claw-like tarsi, which are highly textured and almost serrated (click on either image to see large versions). This louse’s head is also quite elongate and houses fairly long stylets (sharp mouthparts used in piercing skin and sucking blood).
Given this insect’s morphology can you guess the host mammal or at least the characteristics of the host? Leave a comment below and we’ll post the answer on Monday!
Hunter Mosher says
By the claw like tarsi and the long stylets I am guessing that it is either a large animal with fairly thick or hardened skin, or that moves quite often and quickly, and thus the insect would need to hold on well to get anything out of it. That is my far from expert opinion, at least.
Andy Deans says
Hunter, you’ve got a good eye and excellent hypotheses! Thick skin … can you think of any mammals with thick skin? The host also runs around quite a bit, but it’s not extraordinarily big. Thanks for the comment!
Hunter Mosher says
Thick-skinned mammals would lead me to think a pachyderm of some sort. With the running around bit, I would think a horse, pony, mule, etc. Depending on its geographic area, I am also thinking that it might inhabit a rhinoceros or zebra, though the “…not extraordinarily big” part would seem to exclude elephants, hippopotamuses, and possibly the rhinoceros (I am not quite sure where the line of “extraordinarily big” is drawn).
Andy Deans says
“I am not quite sure where the line of ‘extraordinarily big’ is drawn”
Let’s say it’s bigger than your average house cat but smaller than a golden retriever. The mammal lives in the New World. That may be too many clues! You’re getting close, though.
Hunter Mosher says
I think that I am going to put my final bet on the armadillo. Thick skin, lives in the New World, and the size (from memory) seems about right. The movement thing I am not so sure about, but I have to imagine that it is difficult to hold onto something when it keeps rolling up into a ball. In any case, at least I will know tommorow!
Andy Deans says
Excellent hypothesis! You’re close in many aspects but not quite there yet. I was actually unable to discover any sucking lice species that feeds on armadillos, which is interesting. Armadillos are parasitized by fleas (sometimes as heavy infestations) but not lice..?