Whale Louse [Listrocephalos whitleyi]
Description
Listrocephalos whitleyi is a species of whale louse, a small crustacean that lives as an ectoparasite on marine mammals. Specifically, this species is found on the skin and baleen of the minke whale. It has a flattened body adapted for clinging onto the host, and elongated appendages for feeding and moving around. Like other whale lice, it feeds on the host's skin and is adapted to survive in aquatic environments. Its color matches the skin of its host, providing excellent camouflage.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Flatworms
Platyhelminthes
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Monogenea
Monogenea
|
| Order |
Capsalidea
Capsalidea
|
| Family |
Capsalids
Capsalidae
|
| Genus |
Listrocephalos
Listrocephalos
|