Brushtail possum Trichosurus vulpecula: hair from adult carcass

This factsheet assists in the identification of sample hairs from a brushtail possum adult carcass.

Most diagnostic features for this species

Brushtail possum [Trichosurus vulpecula]

Medulla a narrow aeriform lattice.
Primary guard hairs eye-shaped in cross-section with medium size medulla

Sample

Description: Dorsal hair from trapped animal

Sample origin: Waipuna Bay, Dunedin, NZ

Hair profile

General shape: Wavy

Length (mm): maximum 70

Maximum diameter observed (μm): 70

Colour: Tan

Brushtail possum. Hair tuft, including dense layer of lighter coloured underhair, guard hairs and occasional longer overhair. Image — Brushtail possum. Hair tuft, including dense layer of lighter coloured underhair, guard hairs and occasional longer overhair.

Brushtail possum: Profile of guard hairs and underhair. Image: Bronwyn Lowe

Microscopic features

Brushtail possum. Guard hair scales, proximal half of hair: diamond petal. Image: Bronwyn Lowe Image — Brushtail possum. Guard hair scales, proximal half of hair: diamond petal. Image: Bronwyn Lowe

Brushtail possum. Medulla: aeriform lattice (viewed with crossed polars). Image: Bronwyn Lowe Image — Brushtail possum. Medulla: aeriform lattice (viewed with crossed polars). Image: Bronwyn Lowe

Brushtail possum. Guard hair medulla: narrow aeriform lattice. Image: Bronwyn Lowen. Image — Brushtail possum. Guard hair medulla: narrow aeriform lattice. Image: Bronwyn Lowen.

Brushtail possum. Scales proximal half of hair: diamond petal. Image: Bronwyn Lowe Image — Brushtail possum. Scales proximal half of hair: diamond petal. Image: Bronwyn Lowe

Brushtail possum. Guard hair medulla: narrow aeriform lattice. Image: Bronwyn Lowe Image — Brushtail possum. Guard hair medulla: narrow aeriform lattice. Image: Bronwyn Lowe

Citation

Lowe B, Wehi PM. 2017. New Zealand hair identification factsheets: Brushtail possum: Hair from adult carcass
https://www.landcareresearch.co.nz/tools-and-resources/identification/hair-sample-identification-and-factsheets/hair-from-animal-or-animal-skin/brushtail-possum-adult-carcass
Accessed: (-- current date)