Unique cuticular morphology of a truly marine insect, Echinophthirius horridus von Olfers, 1816 (Phthiraptera: Echinophthiriidae)

Abstract

Echinophthiriidae is a family of aquatic lice parasitizing aquatic carnivorans, each member distinguished by their uniquely modified, curved setae. Echinophthirius horridus is known to parasitize a wide range of phocid (earless) seals as opposed to exhibiting the more species-specific parasitism of other echinophthiriid lice. In this study, we use a combination of bright field microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and line drawings to provide a detailed description of the general body setae of E. horridus and discuss its possible significance as an adaptation to a marine lifestyle.