Common Whale Louse [Lernaeopoda cetacea]
Description
The Common Whale Louse is a parasitic copepod that infests a wide range of cetacean hosts worldwide. It attaches itself to the skin of whales and feeds on their skin and blood. It is recognized by its brownish-red color and elongated body structure.
Taxonomy
| Phylum |
Arthropods
Arthropoda
|
|---|---|
| Class |
Copepods
Copepoda
|
| Order |
Cyclopoida
Cyclopoida
|
| Family |
Lernaeidae
Lernaeidae
|
| Genus |
Lernaeopoda
Lernaeopoda
|