Hylotypus gemellus

“Wood-formed twin”

Kingdom
Papyrae
Division
Chartoniphyta
Class
Occlupanopsida
Order
Ephemerodectales
Family
Toxodentaceae
Genus
Hylotypus
Species
H. gemellus
External morphology

Crisp fibrous integument. Large lateral palps. Size 21.6 mm x 25.5 mm.

First encountered in the Netherlands in 2023, this dire occlupanopsid has more recently been seen in Sydney, Australia. It is an uncanny chartoniphytous mimic of that most iconic and widespread of toxodentids, Palpatophora utiliformisHylotypus gemellus is known to prey on bags of iceberg lettuce in ALDI stores. Field studies have shown that there is stiff competition with adhesive tape for access to these bagged vegetables. The primary composite of H. gemellus is definitively paper-pulp fibers, as opposed to the more finely flaxen composition of Sclerolina jovis. Crisp markings of black and blue have both been recorded. Two specimens have also been sent to HORG which are still connected by their lateral palps, giving valuable insight into their reproduction. These ‘reproductive’ specimens are kept under careful observation and quarantine. Specimen and data submitted by occlupanologist Kurisu.