Cryptocolax lilidonum
- Kingdom
- Microsynthera
- Phylum
- Plasticae
- Class
- Occlupanida
- Order
- Orthogonidectes
- Family
- Archignathidae
- Genus
- Cryptocolax
- Species
- C. lilidonum
- External morphology
Integument glossy on one side, and pebbled on the other. Size 26.6 mm x 23 mm
A small trove of these very unusual occlupanids arrived by mail to the Halifax lab of occlupanologist L. Fox (FORC). The occlupanids had no host data, location data, nor any name or return address. Furthermore, this occlupanid contains many features that have caused some taxonomists to even suggest that it be placed among the Pseudocclupanida. The thin flexible integument is unique- glossy on one side, yet slightly textured on the other. The oral hooks are separated by a nearly invisible division that is not symmetrical, but at an angle. The outer edge is smooth with only microscopic fraying. Despite these curious features, the definite orthogonidectid bauplan is unmistakably that of the Archignathidae. It is hoped that corroborating evidence of this occlupanid’s habits and habitat can be solicited from the general public, and we can learn more about this silent glossy mystery. Species discovered and described by L. Fox