Functional morphology of the leg musculature in the marine seal louse: adaptations for high-performance attachment to diving hosts

The seal louse (Echinophthirius horridus) is a remarkable example of evolutionary adaptation, thriving as an obligate ectoparasite on deep-diving marine mammals under extreme environmental conditions, including high hydrostatic pressure, extreme drag force, salinity, and fluctuating temperatures. To investigate the anatomical and functional specializations enabling this lifestyle, we compared the leg morphology and musculature of E. horridus with its terrestrial relative, the human head louse (Pediculus humanus capitis), using synchrotron-based 3D microtomography and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Our findings reveal that the seal louse has developed a highly compact and robust leg structure with a fused tibiotarsus, an additional set of leg muscles, and a shortened claw tendon—an unprecedented adaptation among insects. These features allow for greater force transmission and reduced metabolic cost during sustained attachment. Behavioral assays further show that E. horridus can only move effectively on hair-like substrates, underscoring its complete reliance on host fur. These findings suggest a highly specialized muscular control system enabling strong, reliable, and reversible attachment in a challenging aquatic environment.