Systellognatha hibernica

“Contracted-jaw from Ireland”
Kingdom
Microsynthera
Phylum
Plasticae
Class
Occlupanida
Order
Orthogonidectes
Family
Corrugatidae
Genus
Systellognatha
Species
hibernica
External morphology

Small square lateral palps. 21.6 mm X 25.6 mm

Another endemic occlupanid from the British Isles, this time from Northern Ireland. Two specimens discovered by field researcher S. Rodman, who found them firmly grasping bunches of asparagus and green onions in Asda and Tesco grocery stores. Both specimens had attached amicula, which were removed prior to submission. While one specimen was smooth, the other seemed to be curiously rough, with a textured feel. Both Systellognatha hibernica and Chiasmogramma vercepa have the same tightly constricted oral groove, implying a local selection pressure that may be due to the manner of elastic rubber band on which they were found attached. While any involved study of phylum Elastica is beyond the scope of this institution, it is hoped that other microsyntherologists can investigate and share their findings.