Hair specimen: Trichosurus vulpecula (Brushtail possum):

Brushtail possum
Hair tuft, including dense layer of lighter coloured underhair, guard hairs and occasional longer overhair
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: 6 November 2024