Occlupanids are generally found as parasitoids on bagged pastries in supermarket
biomes, although a few species are found on vegetables and bulk grains, and
one notable species (Uniporus) is found exclusivly on vent tubing bags.
Their fascinating and complex life cycle is unfortunately severly under-researched.
What is known is that they take nourishment from the plastic sacs that surround
the bagged product, not the product itself, as was previously thought. They
often situate themselves toward the center of the plastic bag, holding in the
contents. This leads to speculation that the relationship may be more symbiotic
than purely parasitic.
At some point, however, the relationship ends, as the occlupanid invariably drops off and rests on the pavement.
Occulpanids are totally adapted a life of parasitism.
Ranging from 2-3cm to 5cm, they are dorsoventrally flattened for ease of moving
between the folds of plastic on which they live. The principal feature of an
occlupanid is its 
'mouth',
an invagination in what we're pretty sure is the anterior region of the body.
Two inward-curving hooks of plastic surround a small area within, sometimes
lined with smaller notches or tabs. All dissection attempts have so far indicated
that the body is uniformly composed of a stiff, yet flexible plastic. Although
some researchers have performed experiments to determine the breaking point
of this substance, these were denounced some years ago as being cruel and pointless,
and have since been abandoned. Suffice to say, a loss of one of these hooks
spells doom for the occulpanid.
The outside (or 'edge') of the occlupanid is often smooth, but many species sport palps, or tabs. These have unguessable purposes for mating, locomotion, defense, take your pick.
Occlupanids
come in a staggering variety of colors; bright red, brilliant yellow, and golden
brown to name a few. Many of these plasticae sport a dizzying array of markings;
often spelling out cryptic phrases like "SellByJUN02" and "MFG
10996C". Feild observation has determined that these markings are used
to identify an occlupanid as part of a group, though what purpose a parasite
has for a tribe is unclear. Some researchers beleive that these markings are
genetic 'fingerprints' and record them for purposes of lineage and distribution.
These are the researchers who have the most time on their hands, by the way.
drops
off sharply. It is thought that once outside the supermarket environment, the
occlupanid drops off to reproduce, then die. At least, that's the only thing researchers
at HORG have been able to come up with, because occlupanids seem to be found primarily
on asphalt, sidewalks, and other pavement. It is at this time the majority of
collecting is done, and why most occlupanids presented in this collection are
noted as adults, and not the possible juvenile versions, although that is a little
hazy as well.
The
earliest known example of occlupanids dates back to 1952 AD, in the region of
what is now Yakima Valley, Washington. Though primitive, even these early species
had already adapted fully to parasitism on the plastic membranes of apple bags.
Traveling the country nestled in the folds of bagged goods, occlupanids can
now be found nationwide, from Los Angeles to Washington DC. No examples of any
occlupanids across the Pacific or Atlantic oceans has been reported, though
there have been rumors of Italian plasticae that have most curious morphologies.
Most field reports from the British Isles seem to indicate that they once occupied
the region, but have now been supplanted by their convergent rivals from Kingdom
Aluminia, the twist-ties.
There have been no reports on occlupanid distribution in the continents of: South America, Africa, Asia, or Antarctica.
As always, more research is needed in these far-away lands. Any expeditions heading to these regions are asked to fill out a species report and mail it to this address.
