Hair Types of Japanese Insectivora, with Special Reference to the Presence of Straight Guard Hairs

Abstract

The presence of straight guard hairs among protective hairs has not well been recognized in insectivores. Examination of hair types for all genera of Insectivora in Japan revealed that such hairs do exist, although the ratio of their occurrence was as low as 0.4-4.8 %, depending upon the species or specimens. Further it showed that the protective hairs can be classified into straight guard hairs, awns and furhairs.