Redivivus imitator

“Reborn copy”

Kingdom
Papyrae
Division
Chartoniphyta
Class
Occlupanopsida
Order
Ephemerodectales
Family
Tridentidaceae
Genus
Redivivus
Species
R. imitator
External morphology

Stiff fibrous integument. Wide lateral sides. Size 21.9 mm x 24.1 mm.

This invasive Occlupanopsid has now been sighted on two continents, and is rapidly displacing native occlupanids in both Australia and Canada.  A clear mimic of the Tridentid genus Alatilatus, it directly competes with both Tridentids and Toxodentids in grocery-store habitats. Composed of a thick roughly fibrous material that readily absorbs water. Small tri-lobed markings blot its surface in various colors and arrangements. Though a few have been found in the United States, R. imitator is not as yet considered to be an ecological threat in that region. Scholars of occlupanology are well advised to remain vigilant for sightings of this aggressively compostable chartoniphyte in their localities. Specimen submitted by R. Parker of Auckland, New Zealand in 2021.