Impleximotus stellaformatus
- Kingdom
- Microsynthera
- Phylum
- Plasticae
- Class
- Occlupanida
- Order
- Kirigami
- Family
- Fibulictidae
- Genus
- Impleximotus
- Species
- stellaformatus
- External morphology
Dorsally protruding tubercles and various fenestra. Size 31.5 mm x 25 mm
Discovered in Hong Kong by occlupanologist Kurisu (FORC), Impleximotus stellaformatus has been observed preying on bags containing a variety of produce, including sweet potatoes, onions, chestnuts, and oranges. Its large oral groove containing three dential processes distinguishes it from its fellow Kirigamid occlupanids. Field observations of I. stellaformatus have reported a unique and disturbing aspect of its parasitism, one that suggests this occlupanid is affecting not only the plastic bag it is attached to, but altering the internal structure of the bag’s contents. Further research could shed light on a potentially complex host-parasite relationship.