Hair specimen: Canis familiaris (Kurī): Taiaha
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: Taiaha. Two long hairs.
Collection: Otago Museum
Accession number: D57.192
Hair profile
General shape: Curved (primary guard) or wavy (secondary guard)
Length (mm): 99 - 153
Maximum diameter observed (μm): 55 - 70
Colour: White or transparent
Microscopic features
Medulla: Simple or narrow lattice, off-centre
Medulla: Simple
Hair with variety of attached debri. Possibly cotton, wool, other animal hair
Scales: Irregular wave, smooth to crenate margins, near to distant separation
Scales: Irregular wave to broad petal, smooth to crenate margins, near to distant separation
Detail of feather debri attached to hair
Root with debri attached
Citation
Lowe B, Wehi PM. 2017. New Zealand hair identification factsheets: Kurī: Taiaha
www.landcareresearch.co.nz/hair-identification
Accessed: 7 May 2024