A feather with possible ectoparasite eggs from the Crato Formation (Lower Cretaceous, Aptian) of Brazil

Authors
Martill, DM Davis, PG
Citation
Dm. Martill et Pg. Davis, A feather with possible ectoparasite eggs from the Crato Formation (Lower Cretaceous, Aptian) of Brazil, N J GEO P-A, 219(3), 2001, pp. 241-259
Citations number
56
Categorie Soggetti
Earth Sciences
Journal title
NEUES JAHRBUCH FUR GEOLOGIE UND PALAONTOLOGIE-ABHANDLUNGEN
ISSN journal
00777749 → ACNP
Volume
219
Issue
3
Year of publication
2001
Pages
241 - 259
Database
ISI
SICI code
0077-7749(200103)219:3<241:AFWPEE>2.0.ZU;2-G
Abstract
An almost symmetrical. isolated feather from the Crate Formation is associa ted with numerous spherical, hollow structures approximately 75 microns dia meter which are interpreted as the eggs of an avian ectoparasite probably a mite. The feather shape resembles the caudal feathers of modern birds and Archaeopteryx but it appears to have only simple barbules. This specimen ma y represent the oldest occurrence of ectoparasitism on feathered maniraptor ans.