Harrisoniella hopkinsi
| Harrisoniella hopkinsi | |
|---|---|
| |
| Harrisoniella hopkinsi | |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Arthropoda |
| Class: | Insecta |
| Order: | Psocodea |
| Family: | Philopteridae |
| Genus: | Harrisoniella |
| Species: | H. hopkinsi
|
| Binomial name | |
| Harrisoniella hopkinsi Eichler, 1952
| |
Harrisoniella hopkinsi is a species of phtilopterid louse that lives on and eats the feathers of albatrosses. The species was first described by W. Eichler in 1952.[1]
This species is dark brown with an elongated head, and extremely large – H. hopkinsi is one of the largest feather lice, with males reaching up to 9 millimetres (0.35 in) long.[2] They live mostly on the wing feathers, but are quite able to move if disturbed or if their host bird should die.[3] There are usually fewer than half a dozen adult specimens found on a single host bird; low compared with other species of feather lice, which may number in the hundreds.[3] Harrisoniella hopkinsi has been found on the feathers of the wandering albatross (Diomedea exulans) and the southern royal albatross (Diomedea epomophora).[3]
References
- ^ "Harrisoniella hopkinsi Eichler, W." Phthiraptera.info. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
- ^ Morris, Rod (2010). "Harrisoniella". Rod Morris Nature Photography. Retrieved 12 August 2016.
- ^ a b c Palma, Ricardo L.; Pilgrim, Ron L. C. (1984). "A revision of the genus Harrisoniella (Mallophaga: Philopteridae)". New Zealand Journal of Zoology. 11 (2): 145–166. doi:10.1080/03014223.1984.10423754.
External links
- Harrisoniella hopkinsi and other feather lice discussed on Radio NZ Critter of the Week, 12 August 2016
- Images of Harrisoniella hopkinsi by photographer Rod Morris
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