iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Harvested from a kitchen drawer, this colorful clattering of occlupanids was collected by a field researcher in Stockbridge, MI.

Photo of assembled occlupanids. Species represented are Palpatophora utiliformis, P. glyphodorsalis, P. magnastoma, Alisarcina brysi (Toxodentidae), Unidentia obtusamaxilla azureus (Haplognathidae), Quadratopalpus ilex (Archignathidae), and Admordorsum groningensis (Tridentidae).

4277

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

A pair of small occlupanids who inhabit the rarified ecological habitat of gashapons and similar toy microclimates. Diagonalobus sasa has an especially unique palpular arrangement, with the lesser distal and proximal palps entirely absent. Specimens submitted by FORC occlupanologist D. Mendoza.

Species card depicting Japanese archignathid occlupanid Diplacofelis kogata, "Miniature folding cat". Kogata is the Japanese word for "small" or "compact".

Species card depicting Japanese archignathid occlupanid
Diagonalobus sasa, "Sasa's diagonal lobes"

0249

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

Highlights from a small clattering of diverse occlupanids, collected during a HORG survey at a materials re-use establishment in Portland, OR. It is always a pleasure to encounter older species in the field such as Porrectofrontus rubikarloffia, even in such rarified environments.

Occlupanids collected during survey of a materials re-use establishment in Portland, OR. Species from top to bottom include: Porrectofrontus rubikarloffia, Palptatophora utiliformis, Alatilatus hebechela, Spongipaginus hiatus, Unidentia wrightae, Alisarcina brysi, Palpatophora glyphodorsalis, Elasticaprehendus rugosa, Asconomeus bubulajuvator, Aspericardis lehmeri, Unidentia obtusamaxilla, Unidentia obtusamaxilla azureus, Quadratopalpus ilex, Porrectofrontus microstoma.

1417

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Hylotypus pseudophormus, a newly described occlupanopsid. It is a mimic of one of the most numerous occlupanids on the planet, P. glyphodorsalis. Notable for the subtle woven pattern adorning one of its sides. Specimen discovered by researchers at the Tennessee Occlupanid Research Division (TORD).

Species card depicting a chartoniphytous occlupanopsid found in the Nearctic continental region, mimic of P. glyphodorsalis.

43010

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

The Holotypic Occlupanid Research Group site is down for repair for the next couple of days. We apologize to any occlupanologists trying to verify or look up species during this time!

0122

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 31/05/2026

Presenting the newly described Arcualatus rubidicax, A rather infamous occlupanid endemic to the UK, with a curious history. Making its debut nearly six years ago as a well-documented internet meme, this Tridentid has at last been added to the HORG database. www.horg.com/horg/?page_i...

Species ID card for Tridentid occlupanid Arcualatus rubidicax, "Bow sided, red and sarcastic". This Tridentid has bowed lateral sides, with miniscule palps. Red and white color morphs have been recorded.

0327

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

For those with scientific interest in our "Diversity of Occlupanids" wall hanging, here is a numeric overlay along with a link to our species listing, so you can test your mettle on occlupanid identification! www.horg.com/horg/wp-cont...

Cropped image of "Diversity of Occlupanids" wall hanging, on display at the Holotypic Occlupanid Research Group, showcasing 139 occlupanids (and 4 occlupanopsids) on a wooden printer's tray.

Numeric overlay for species listing of "Diversity of Occlupanids" wall hanging. Numbers correspond to species list.

0285

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

Our Cultural Occlupanology team proudly unveils a colorful addition to the studious halls of HORG. Behold our new wall display, "A Diversity of Occlupanids"! These specimens have been assembled from occlupanids collected throughout HORG's history, as well as many donated from contributing scholars.

"A Diversity of Occlupanids 01" a wall-mounted antique wooden printer's tray with 143 individual occlupanids and other microsyntherans displayed, as a celebration of the amazing forms, colors, and textures of the Occlupanida.

14011

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 16/04/2026

These next species have arrived courtesy of the Heung-Shing Expeditionary Lab for Occlupanology (HELO), and both have a connection to Infirmimaxilla kurisu. The first is the latest in a string of ever-increasingly-clever mimics in the genus Kurisuphenax, found on paper bags of grapes in Hong Kong.

Species card of Archignathid occlupanid Kurisuphenax ultimus, "Ultimate Kurisu-deceiver", found on bags of grapes in Hong Kong.

1193

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 13/04/2026

The HORG mailroom was recently gifted a collection of mail art 'Artistamps' crafted by Nonlocal Variable. The stamps depict diverse HORG holotypes collaged with artists in one set, and another cleverly re-arranged with invertebrate nomenclature from Ernst Haeckel's Kunstformen der Natur.

"Holotypic World" Artistamp collection, Mail art from Nonlocal Variable. The "Holotypic Occlupanid Forms in Nature", combines occlupanids with names of biological organisms taken from Ernst Haeckel, While "Post-Holotypic Mail Art In Outer Space" crosses various occlupanids with avant-garde artists.

A series of custom artistamps of diverse occlupanid outlines collaged with avant-garde artists, many from the Fluxus movement.

0275

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 09/04/2026

Discovered in a shipment of laboratory gloves by field researcher C. Cody. Often such gloves would be shipped in a cardboard tube, but one shipment arrived swaddled in a large plastic bag with C. necopinus attached. It is surmised that this occlupanid escaped predation during its postal migration.

Species card of Archignathid occlupanid Chirophragma necopinus, "Unexpected hand-barrier".

0264

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 25/03/2026

At the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa, Japan, visiting occlupanologists on holiday last October were alarmed to find what appeared to be immense occlupanopsids in the museum store!

Single giant occlupanopsid-like entitiess, showing exquisite gilded markings. This species, unidentified, is not considered to be an occlupanopsid, and thankfully will not have to open yet another branch of study at our already cramped HORG headquarters, where enough valuable science substrate is being taken up by non-syntheric entities as it is.

1304

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Happy Taxonomist Appreciation Day! On this day the synthetic taxonomist community, and HORG in particular, celebrates the rigorous and passionate work that underpins our knowledge of the natural world. Scholars of Microsynthera everywhere owe a deep debt of gratitude to their work.

1174

Reposted by HORG

Terry McGlynn @hormiga.bsky.social · 19/03/2026

Happy Taxonomist Appreciation Day, y'all. There's undescribed biodiversity all around us! Not long ago, Brian Brown and Emily Hartop put up some malaise traps smack in the middle of Los Angeles, and right away they described 30 new species of phorid flies. mapress.com/zt/article/v...

mapress.com

Opportunity in our Ignorance: Urban Biodiversity Study Reveals 30 New Species and One New Nearctic Record for Megaselia (Diptera: Phoridae) in Los Angeles (California, USA) | Zootaxa

2228

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

A trio of "micropanids" collected by field researchers from miniature bags of pretend bread products from Japan. Despite their strange appearance, multiple sightings have confirmed their status as distinct and identifiable species.

2275

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

An occlupanological treasure trove donated to HORG, found at a recycling facility. Contained within a small ziploc bag were over 30 species, a high rate of microsyntheric diversity! Many of these species, once commonly encountered in the wild, are today mostly observed in clatterings such as these.

Collected occlupanids of family Haplognathidae:
Dicrania uganda (1998)
Ungella vescus (2016)
Unidentia quadratus (1996)
Unidentia identicalis (1996)
Indescribus conundrum (1999)
Unidentia obtusamaxilla (2003)
Unidentia obtusamaxilla azureus (2017)
Unidentia obtusamaxilla brevis (2013)
Unidentia oblongaris (2019)

Collected occlupanids of family Tridentidae:
Captospinula simplistica (1996)
Captospinula celsus (2021)
Carisma matsumotoi (1998)

Collected occlupanids of family Archignathidae:
Cardioris cirrhosoma (1998
Cardioris amplifolium (1999)
Cyrtotergum albus (1997)
Protocrena obtusilateri (1996)
Protocrena variotaedium (1996)
Protocrena escharops (2020)

Collected occlupanids of family Toxodentidae:
Palpatophora utiliformis (1994)

2257

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 07/03/2026

While sorting through a pile of occlupanids in biology class as an introduction to taxonomy, students at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC noticed some small green occlupanids that did not fit into any of the dichotomous keys they were creating, and perhaps found an unidentified species...

Species card of a bright green Acutignathid occlupanid, Migrugibba vulpis "Little bumps of the fox". Discovered by Students at Sidwell Friends School in Washington, DC. It has been since found in two locations, on opposite ends of the continent, both times inside large diverse hoards of other occlupanids.

13611

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 16/01/2026

Occlupanids from the South Pole. A diverse clattering of 34 specimens were delivered to HORG by field researchers Z. Mills and A. Barden, while stationed at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station. It is theorized that these specimens had likely migrated from North America or New Zealand.

Display of several occlupanids from Antarctica, collected at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, during the austral winter of 2025. Species collected: Palpatophora utiliformis, P. utiliformis grandis, P. glyphodorsalis, Protocrena gigantis, Porrectofrontus colwelli, and Admordorsum floridensis. All in suitably polar hues, except for that viridis one.

15315

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 10/11/2025

A generous clattering of occlupanids was sent to HORG via an anonymous field researcher from McMinnville, Oregon. Amongst the rainbow array of P. utiliformis specimens, were some unexpected delights: specimens of Protocrena obtusilateri, Carisma matsumotoi, and several of Captospinula simplistica.

photograph showing a diversity of occlupanids among a larger assemblage of more common toxodentid species.

2322

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 03/11/2025

Researchers with HORG recently attended a staff retreat into the mountains of Japan, visiting many a secluded onsen, but always keeping a watchful eye out for endemic Japanese occlupanids. Our team set forth on a journey through Kyoto, Takayama, Shinhotaka, Matsumoto, Hirayu, and Kanazawa.

Various occlupanids observed from Japan: Ampleximordax ptyctophyllus, Diplacofelis wangi, Infirmimaxilla kurisu. Found in Kyoto and in Haneda airport.

1236

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 06/09/2025

This burly occlupanopsid is commonly found in freezing conditions, and has been observed preying on bags of Unbun brand gluten-free bread, and other frozen bread products. Specimen discovered by FORC occlupanologist Cale L. in Southern Ontario.

Species card of Cryothyron olitofragma, "Frozen-door vegetable-chip", a chartoniphytous occlupanopsid in the family Archignathaceae

0286

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 26/08/2025

This jet-black hyaline toxodentid is in all respects virtually identical in morphology to Neotessera vitripalpus, save for its color. While this would usually classify it as a color morph, it has been given its own designation as Neotessera eclipsis, an unusual move by the HORG Board of Taxonomy.

Species card depicting hyaline toxodentid Neotessera eclipsis, "Eclipsing new tile". This occlupanid is identical to Neotessera vitripalpus, except for its impressive jet-black color.

1215

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 04/08/2025

Specimens of E. obnixa have been found only through donated hoards, sequestering itself into large mailed envelopes, mingled with other occlupanids; This Acutignathan resists yielding its secrets. Found in Australia and Sweden. Discovered by occlupanologists E.R. Fisher (FORC) & S. Nottingham.

Species card showing Extantis obnixa, "Steadfast existing", of the Acutignathidae. Discovered in mixed-species hoards in mailrooms.

0110

Reposted by HORG

zee⁷ 🌿🌳🪲 @lakeblueside.bsky.social · 01/08/2025

BTS as Occlupanids (bread/food tabs)

BTS looking down at a camera below. At the bottom from left to right is Jungkook, Hobi, Jin then Namjoon. At the top from left to right is Taehyung, Jimin and Yoongi.

35818

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 26/07/2025

Found outdoors in New Zealand above fields of grapevines, perched in large numbers on bird-netting. Specimen has distinctive raised ridges on dorsal and ventral sides, giving this occlupanid a uniquely dimensional aspect. Species discovered and submitted by microsyntheric artisan S. Nottingham

Scanned specimen of Ampelomedon otautahi, "Grapevine-guardian from Christchurch”, only known species of Family Unduladentidae. Found on grapevine netting in New Zealand.

1153

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 19/07/2025

Curious pseudocclupanid discovered in Vermont on McKenzie brand sausages. With a spindle-shape and glasslike body, this yoke-shaped microsyntherid would ordinarily not be considered among the Pseudocclupanida but for its very occlupanid-like habit of gripping the twisted plastic end of plastic bags.

Species scan of Botulicornis waldorfensis, “Sausage-horn from Waldorf” found on the twisted ends of sausages.

1150

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 19/07/2025

Recently described perennial pseudocclupanid that is observed primarily in winter. Discovered in North Dakota by O. Ohm (FMCO). O. wazichan shares the same rarified niche as C. pinicola; plastic evergreen trees with pre-installed holiday lights.

Recently described Species image of small pseudocclupanid of Order Brumilucida. species named Ojiisibinaan wazichan, "Pine-tree pincher". The genus name is from the Ojibwe language, “he who pinches”, while the species name is taken from the Lakota word for pine tree. Found on plastic evergreen trees with pre-installed holiday lights.

0152

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Reliably found in medical biomes, attached to bags of medical suction canisters. Has round scars on one side. Notable lateral divots and an aboral indent. Gular oral furrows are generous. Specimen submitted by Field Researcher M. Schatz, who found it in a hospital supply room in Wisconsin.

specimen card of the toxodentid occlupanid Chelomaturris sanicadium, “Health-jar notched-tower “

0222

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 17/07/2025

Selected views from the exhibition, Occlupanid: 面包夹作为一种生物 Occlupanid: Plastic Bread Tags as Organism Images kindly shared from CuspDot in Hangzhou, China. Viewers are introduced to the scientific study of occlupanids, and invited to try their hand at identification.

View of art exhibition of occlupanology seen through window pane

View of art exhibition of occlupanology in collaboration with HORG in Hangzhou, China.

1173

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 09/07/2025

CuspDot art space in Hangzhou, China is showing “Occlupanid: Bread Tag as an Organism” this month in collaboration with HORG. Visitors are encouraged to explore known occlupanid biomes, and practice identification techniques. cusphangzhou.cargo.site/Occlupanid-P...

cusphangzhou.cargo.site

Occlupanid： Plastic bread tag as an organism — cusphangzhou

Occlupanid： Plastic bread tag as an organism Duration: 5 Jul.– 31 Aug. 2025 accessible between 12:00 - 19:00 （closed on Monday） ...

0205

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 12/06/2025

This trio of hyaline specimens have now been formally described. All feature a translucent pliable integument that is polished on one side and gently textured on the obverse, and vestigial rounded lateral palps. Collected from Thomas' English Muffins and bags of hot dog buns in N. America.

Species card of Hyalocardis novicyanus, "New blue glass heart" a newly described occlupanid.

Species card of Neotessera hemilaevis, "Half-smooth new tile" a newly described occlupanid.

Species card of Neotessera vitripalpus, "Glass-palped new tile" a newly described occlupanid.

0142

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 28/05/2025

The HORG switchboard has been lit up recently with excited reports of new occlupanid species. all bearing similar characteristics; Low symmetrical palps, and a pliable blue integument with a rough pebbled surface on one side. So far they seem to favor bags of bread products.

Image of three unidentified occlupanids recently submitted to HORG.

2433

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 27/05/2025

While on a staff excursion to France this past week, our wandering scholars discovered an occlupanid in Paris! Internationally renowned tridentid Admordorsum groningensis has been found on bags of La Boulangère sliced bread.

photo of french sliced bread, which is a thing in France now! And small tridentid attached

image of Admordorsum groningensis, of the Tridentidae

1291

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 01/05/2025

A new and deeply concerning Chartoniphytous occlupanopsid, Hylotypus gemellus, of the Toxodentaceae, has been recorded in Australia and the Netherlands. It has been observed attached to bags of iceberg lettuce.

Species card displaying occlupanopsid Hylotypus gemellus, "Wood-formed twin"

1233

Reposted by HORG

Marc A. Milne @forthespiders.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

I love fictional taxonomic studies like this. This reminds me of our recently published study with @sderkarabetian.bsky.social of fictional spiders portrayed in the Magic: The Gathering card game: virginianaturalhistorysociety.com/wp-content/u...

zmescience.com

Don't miss this Japanese study that has classified fish-shaped soy sauce containers into species

Yes, it is as great as it sounds.

0286

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 29/04/2025

HORG is proud to share this groundbreaking study from the HCCO (Horse Creek Center for Occlupanology), with proposals for expanding on previous scholar's work on morphological terms and categorization methodology, located in our Reports From the Field section. www.horg.com/horg/?page_i...

horg.com

Reports from the Field | HORG

1172

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 12/04/2025

This incredibly rectangular archignathid was discovered by occlupanologist A. Leu on a bag of bandage padding in a Tennessee veterinary clinic. Of particular note is the primitive raptorial stricture; a simple asymmetric division between oral grooves, as opposed to a developed set of oral hooks.

Species card of a recently discovered very rectangular occlupanid in the family Archignathidae, Euschizus veterinarius, which means "Veterinarian's primitive cleft"

2382

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 19/03/2025

Today is Taxonomist Appreciation Day! The synthetic classification used by HORG owes its existence to the tireless taxonomists and stalwart systematists whose work forms the backbone of biology. smallpondscience.com/2014/03/19/t...

smallpondscience.com

Today is Taxonomist Appreciation Day!

Many fields of science are important, and many fields of science are appreciated. The field with the greatest importance : appreciation ratio is taxonomy. Taxonomy is critical for almost everything…

1237

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Presenting the holotype collection of the Holotypic Occlupanid Research Group: Each entry in this mighty tome is the “type specimen”; that is, the physical reference sample for each species for all currently-described members of Occlupanida, Occlupanopsida, and Pseudocclupanida.

1508

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 18/02/2025

Sextet of safety: A series of pseudocclupanids, whose hosts are KN94 and KN95 face masks. These persollids grasp on to one mask loop with their primary oral groove, and latch on to the opposite loop with their secondary vesicle. Specimens collected in 2023 from Australia and HK.

Species card of a recently identified pseudocclupanid in the order Persolla (which means "little mask")

1268

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 13/02/2025

Proudly sharing this collection of Japanese occlupanids from Osaka Prefecture, donated to HORG from occlupanogist J.Orchard. Of note is the stunning array of color morphs of Ampleximordax ptycophyllus, a rarely encountered Angulognathid, and an example of Diplacofelis wangi exhibiting feliformation.

Arrangement of 19 occlupanid specimens donated to HORG from Osaka, Japan: Ampleximordax ptycophyllus, Nectofocales baldwina, Palpatophora utiliformis, Diplacofelis wangi, and Shokupanis pepperellae.

0308

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Many images have been sent to HORG depicting this and similar species from many locales, tantalizing our staff taxonomists with tales of sturdy-lobed haplognathids. This one is the first to be so formally identified; Validolobus teleplanktos. Collected from migratory hoard of occlupanids.

Species card of a recently discovered occlupanid in the family Haplognathidae; Validolobus teleplanktos, which means "Sturdy-lobed far-wanderer"

1162

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 04/02/2025

Adoralepus kadyae discovered during an excavation of a discontinued Calico Critters toy set. Searching deep underneath layers of miniature grocery products, Researcher C. Ayers (FORC) unearthed a small 9mm square occlupanid attached to a minute bag filled with rabbit-themed plastic bread products.

Species card of a recently discovered occlupanid in the new family Lagotremidae, Adoralepus kadyae.

1184

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

The proliferation of chartoniphytous occlupanid-mimics continues apace with the discovery of this pair of occlupanopsids described by occlupanologist E. R. Fisher (DBTI) at the BRAD (Banish Recycling and Disposal) center in Sydney, Australia. Currently no host data yet known. Have you seen them?

Species card of a newly discovered chartoniphytous occlupanopsid from Sydney, Australia, *Concaviceps bradensis* of the Tridentaceae. White with shallow divot on aboral edge, and small lateral tufts.

Species card of a newly discovered chartoniphytous occlupanopsid from Sydney, Australia, *Oblitalibellus liparis* of the Toxodentaceae. White small lateral tufts and miniscule palps.

080

Reposted by HORG

✨ Zandra Illustration ➜ Shop Open @shop.zandraillustration.com · 29/01/2025

pick up an analog hobby, I'm so serious. something that holds your attention and is fun for you, literally anything. Collect and identify bread tags or something, just don't fall into the trap of doomscroll paralysis again

1153907803

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 03/01/2025

Recently HORG held a team-building staff retreat in Germany, but even on vacation we hunted for occlupanids. Alas, Our team was unable to find any in grocery store biomes in Munich or Cologne. All items were parasitized by double-wire bands, connected by a connective membrane of flexible plastic.

German bread products with unidentified microsyntheric parasites.

1124

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 31/12/2024

HORG is a proud sponsor of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections! Each year-end 100% of all remunerations gained through the sales of Shirts and Stickers emblazoned with official HORG Seal are donated to spnhc.org

spnhc.org

The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections

051

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 30/11/2024

Discovered by Kurisu (FORC) in Sydney, Australia on bags of Helga’s and Cole’s Finest sliced bread products. Yellow, orange and white are the only color morphs found so far. Competes with occlupanopsid Peratrox subtilis for habitat.

chartoniphytous occlupanopsid from Sydney, Australia, Mirivorus rhacopleura. Yellowish with undulating sides and prodigious markings.

080

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 20/11/2024

This sturdy occlupanid was discovered on a bag of Ice in Massachusetts. Little else is known about its habits. At 2.3mm, it is the thickest occlupanid yet known to science. It is hoped that more specimens of this mighty Northeast Planotectid can be discovered, and more information brought to light.

Species card of a newly discovered occlupanid with thick integument and a toothless oral groove that is flattened at the aboral edge.

0103

HORG @occlupanid.bsky.social · 24/07/2024

Discovered in South Korea by field researcher Jupiter (FORC), attached to a bag of ‘Shany’ brand bread. This occlupanopsid uncannily mimics the shape of P. utiliformis grandis in nearly every way, including the large lateral palps. Distressingly, its integument is almost plastic-like. But is it?

This single precious specimen was sent to the HORG forensics lab to undergo experimentation to properly determine if in fact it was made of chartoniphytous material, or if it was a corpus of synthetic felt.

Magnified image of S. jovis. A small shave biopsy was performed on the obverse side, revealing fine nearly-transparent flaxen fibers, in stark contrast to the large coarse fibers of occlupanopsids such as Redivivus imitator. However, both dissolution by water and and incendiary tests on both materials gave similar results, especially when compared to soaked and burnt shavings from a sample of P. utiliformis grandis itself.

Magnified image of scraped material from S. jovis. Though the results are not entirely conclusive, the HORG Board of Taxonomy has placed S. jovis in the Toxodentaceae, until further experiments can be conducted.

050