Hair specimen: Canis familiaris (Kurī): Brown dog skin
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: Brown dog skin. Three hairs, root and tip absent all hairs
Collection: Otago Museum
Accession number: D51.4895
Hair profile
General shape: Curved (primary guard) or slight wave (secondary guard)
Length (mm): 56 -58
Maximum diameter observed (μm): 50 - 70
Colour: Dark brown grading to pale tan or white at ends
Microscopic features
Medulla: Wide lattice
Medulla: Wide lattice (viewed with crossed polars)
Scales: Regular wave, smooth margins, near to distant separation
Scales: Showing damage typical for artefact hairs
Scales: Bright coloured areas are contamination, e.g. dirt
Citation
Lowe B, Wehi PM. 2017. New Zealand hair identification factsheets: Kurī: Brown dog skin
www.landcareresearch.co.nz/hair-identification
Accessed: 7 May 2024