Incertus phyzelus

“Uncertain and shy”

Kingdom
Papyrae
Division
Chartoniphyta
Class
Occlupanopsida
Order
Ephemerodectales
Family
Haplognathaceae
Genus
Incertus
Species
I. phyzelus
External morphology

Small tufts on anterior and ventral edges. Size 26.5 mm x 21.5 mm.

Discovered in Australia on a bag of CommunityCo sourdough sliced bread in 2024. It is nearly indistinguishable from the Haplognathid Unidentia obtusamaxilla azureus. Attention to evidence of slight tufting on the tips of its processes can give its true nature away.  When initially encountered, the discoverer notes that the maculae on this species was hidden from view while on its host, “unlike other specimens which usually have the macula faced upwards, leading to the hypothesis of this species being more timid then its plastic counterpart.”  Currently only white color morphs of this occlupanopsid have been found. As with Incertus mimus, its mimicry is so complete that only a magnifying lens or physical handling can result in an accurate identification. Species discovered and described by Kurisu.