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Name derivation:
From the Greek derma -skin, and karpos –fruit.
Classification:
Dermocarpa P.L.Crouan and H.M.Crouan 1858; 33 of 73 species descriptions are currently accepted taxonomically (Guiry and Guiry 2013). Order Chroococcales; Family Dermocarpellaceae
Morphology:
Heteropolar (differentiated basal and apical parts) somewhat ovoid cells , solitary, or in groups arranged in parallel within colorless sheath.
Similar genera:
The genus name has been used in descriptions of other genera, like Chamaecalyx, Cyanocystis, Staniera, and Xenococcus. Thus Geitler (1967) proposed rejecting it.
Habitat:
Mainly marine species, living attached to intertidal macroalgae; few freshwater species occur mainly on mosses or algae in creeks and unpolluted streams.
References:
Crouan, P.L. and H.M. Crouan 1858. Note sur quelques algues marines nouvelles de la rade de Brest. Annales des Sciences Naturelles, Botanique, Quatrième série 9: 69-75, pl. 3. Guiry, M.D. and G.M. Guiry 2013.  AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. http://www.algaebase.org; searched on 04 September 2013. Komarek J. and S. Golubic. 1990. Guide to the nomenclature and formal taxonomic treatment of oxyphototroph prokariotes (cyanoprokariotes).