Insect Hair
Transmitted Off Crossed Polarized Light Illumination
Definition/Function:
Insect "hair" is not like mammalian hair. It is refered to as hair because of its
similar appearance on the insects body.
Techincally they are more properly called seta (pl. setae). Chemically it is Chitin
rather than Keratin. Keratin is a
protein that contains sulfur and will react with sodium azide solution while chitin is a
nitrogen containing polysaccharide.
Significance in the Environment:
Some individuals are alergic to insect debris, including body fragments and hair. Some
hairs are stiff enough to be an
irritant of mucosal tissue and the skin. Some insect fragments and hair contain
compounds that are chemical active in the
human body.
Characteristic Features:
Associated Particles:
References:
