Marine Mammal Parasite of the Month- February 2020

These Arthropods are a species of mite commonly found in phocids, like the seals here at NMLC. The mites are only about 3 mm long. Interestingly adults have 8 legs while the larvae appear to only have 6 legs (though in fact they also have 8 legs).

Name this parasite and where in (or on) the seals they are found.

Posted by Nicole H.

Nicole is a spring 2020 intern at the National Marine Life Center.