Re: What is a callosite and what does it have to do with feeding with a whale?

Hi Brittany

Callosities (not callosite) are lumps that form a distinctive pattern of  
on the heads of Right Whales. These callosities are lumps of barnacles, 
whale lice and parasitic worms and form unique patterns on each whale and 
can be used to identify and track individuals (a bit like fingerprints in 
humans). Young calves have few callosities although they are present at 
birth and develop quickly with age - they only occur on the head, and the 
largest is found on the rostrum (the beak-like upper jaw) and is called 
the 'bonnet'. 

The function of the whale lice isn't really known, but they may be 
consuming dead skin in a natural cleaning process. Some scientists think 
that the lice may also play a role in cleaning wounds and aiding the 
healing process.

So, callosities do not have anything to do with feeding, but are still 
useful for humans when identifiying whales, and probably to the whales too!

I hope that answers your question.

Dr David Hubble, UK