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Copepod parasite on a sprat, Lernaeenicus sprattae
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Copepod parasite on a sprat, Lernaeenicus sprattae
Blood-feeding copepod parasite on a sprats eye, Lernaeenicus sprattae (Lernaea sprattae). And another strange worm found on an oyster shell. Handcoloured copperplate engraving by James Sowerby from The British Miscellany, or Coloured figures of new, rare, or little known animal subjects, London, 1804
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Media ID 23203868
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Figures Host Miscellany Parasite Rare Sowerby Sprat Worm Blood Feeding Copepod
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EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: "A Spectacle of Nature's Tenacity: The Blood-feeding Copepod Parasite, Lernaeenicus sprattae, on a European Sprat and an Unusual Worm Discovered on an Oyster Shell" This handcoloured copperplate engraving, created by the renowned naturalist James Sowerby in 1804 for "The British Miscellany, or Coloured Figures of New, Rare, or Little Known Animal Subjects," offers a glimpse into the intriguing world of marine parasites. The engraving features two distinct organisms: the blood-feeding copepod parasite, Lernaeenicus sprattae, attached to the eye of a European Sprat (Sprattus sprattus), and an unusual worm discovered on an oyster shell. The blood-feeding copepod, Lernaeenicus sprattae, is commonly known as the "sea louse" or "sprat louse." This parasitic crustacean attaches itself to the gills or eyes of its host, the European Sprat, and feeds on its blood. The parasitic relationship between the copepod and the sprat is notorious for causing significant damage to fish populations, particularly in areas with high fish densities. The second organism in the engraving is an unidentified worm discovered on an oyster shell. The precise identification of this worm remains elusive, adding to the intrigue of this fascinating image. The presence of such a diverse array of marine life in a single image is a testament to the rich biodiversity of the European coastline during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. James Sowerby's meticulous handcoloured copperplate engraving not only showcases the beauty and complexity of these organisms but also highlights the importance of documenting new and rare discoveries in the field of zoology and natural history. This image invites us to explore the wonders of the natural world and the tenacious relationships that exist between its inhabitants.
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