Hair specimen: Trichosurus vulpecula (Brushtail possum):
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Brushtail possum
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Hair tuft, including dense layer of lighter coloured underhair, guard hairs and occasional longer overhair
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Profile of guard hairs and underhair
Most diagnostic features for this species:
1. Medulla a narrow aeriform lattice. 2. Primary guard hairs eye-shaped in cross-section with medium size medulla
Sample
Description:
Sample origin: Waipuna Bay, Dunedin
Hair profile
General shape: Wavy
Length (mm): 70 mm
Maximum diameter observed (μm): 70 μm
Colour:
Microscopic features
Medulla: Narrow aeriform lattice
Scales: Diamond petal
Scales: Diamond petal
Medulla: Narrow aeriform lattice (viewed with crossed polars)
Citation
Lowe B, Wehi PM. 2017. New Zealand hair identification factsheets: Brushtail possum:
www.landcareresearch.co.nz/hair-identification
Accessed: 28 April 2024