Hair specimen: Canis familiaris (Kurī): Kahu waero
Most diagnostic features for this species:
1. Medulla of guard hairs can vary from simple with scattered globular vacuoles to very fine wide lattice 2. Cross-section usually a mix of circular and oval shapes 3. Large diameter
Sample
Description: Kahu waero. Eight hairs sampled from dogskin tag
Collection: Whānau collection
Hair profile
General shape: Straight, curved or slight wave (guard hairs) or wavy (underhairs)
Length (mm): 62 - 113
Maximum diameter observed (μm): 70 - 110
Colour: White or transparent
Microscopic features
Medulla: Wide lattice (viewed with crossed polars)
Medulla: Wide lattice
Medulla: Wide lattice (viewed with crossed polars)
Scales: Regular wave, smooth to crenate margins, near to distant separation
Scales: Regular wave, smooth to crenate margins, near to distant separation
Scales: Regular wave, smooth to crenate margins, near to distant separation
Hair tip: Blunt. Note tapering of medulla towards tip
Typical damaged end of artefact hair
Citation
Lowe B, Wehi PM. 2017. New Zealand hair identification factsheets: Kurī: Kahu waero
www.landcareresearch.co.nz/hair-identification
Accessed: 7 May 2024