Ancient Amber Reveals Dinosaur Feather Being Nibbled by Licelike Parasites

The find is the first evidence for feather-munching parasites among dinosaurs.

By Leslie Nemo
Dec 10, 2019 8:00 PMDec 10, 2019 9:16 PM
Dinosaur Lice 2
The ancient louse Mesophthirus engeli crawling on dinosaur feathers in mid-Cretaceous amber. (Credit: Taiping Gao)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Lice today are the bane of furry and feathery animals, nibbling on pelts and plumage and causing a general nuisance. It seems that feathered dinosaurs may have had a similar problem.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.