Daphoenops triconis

“Bloody-faced trickster”

Kingdom
Papyrae
Division
Chartoniphyta
Class
Occlupanopsida
Order
Ephemerodectales
Family
Toxodentaceae
Genus
Daphoenops
Species
D. triconis
External morphology

Chisel-like lateral palps. Size 21.7 mm x 24.4 mm.

A clear mimic of the Toxodentid Harpops chydaeus. Name refers to its striking red coloring and fearsome appearance, along with its ecology of being found hidden amidst S. pictus, sharing a similar niche. It was first observed on host in August 2024 during a survey meant for acquiring a red banded S. pictus for study. While red is a common color morph, specimens of white and yellow have been observed. They preyed on bags of Auger brand bread, though they could be quite elusive and can be hard to tell apart from S. pictus, especially on host. This species, along with its Tridendaceous competitor, is presumed extinct in the wild. Species discovered in Québec and described by Occlupanologist N. Juju (FORC).