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Common Names The common name scorpion spider is derived from its distinctive flat back and carapace orange colouring. This colouring is evident around the Platyoides mouthpiece and on the anterior aspects of the legs. These similar features of the Platyoide in comparison to a scorpion is often why this genus is referred to as the scorpion spider.

History As a result of DNA testing, Platyoides have been deemed a member of the Trochnteriidae family. Substantial interest in the Platyoides breed would have been sparked by their unique ability to flatten their abdomen in order to adapt to their environment. South African arachnologist and myriapodologist described the Platyoide using specimens submitted to him for identification by the Director of the Transvaal Museum and Mr V. Fitzsimons, Kepper of the Invertebrate collections at the Natal Museum, Pietermaritzburg. The collection consisted of thirty-three species all existing in the Platyoide family. The spider genus Platyoides is part of the Trochnteriidae fauna species that was first recorded by in 1903 and was given the binomial name of Patyoides grandidieri. This breed is unique to sub-Saharan Africa and its surrounding islands. Further genomic differences have too contributed to being able to determine the ancestry of the Platyoide genus by creating a lineage diversification system.

Description The body size of the Platyoide is sexually dimorphic, females much larger than males. The most notable feature of the Platyoide genus is its flat back creating a large surface area. The Platyoide species has a unique ability to flatten their abdomen due to a genetic predisposition that results in loose trochantheriids and gnapsoides. This means they have loose joints allowing them to flatten their bodies; a direct product of their environment. The introduction of new research techniques including a scanning electron microscopy helped aid to distinguish between different species and determine these unique genus qualities. Another notable feature that links to their common name the ‘scorpion spider’ is the colouring of the Platyoides genus. A distinct carapace orange surrounds the mouth, radiating down onto their legs and on the dorsal aspect of their abdomen. The anterior side of the abdomen is a pale, ashy grey. The Platyoides genus has a unique feature in their teeth with a triangular tooth existing on their upper margins, behind the regular fangs which aids in chewing prey (Lawrence, 1937). Another defining feature of the Platyoides description is the elongation of the fourth trochanter. The dimensions of the Platyoide species is 9mm with the carapace measuring 3.6mm.

Behaviour A distinctive feature about the Platyoides behaviour is a unique adaptation. The Platyoide is a product of its Sub-Saharan environment and has developed an extreme flattening of their back and abdomen. The flattening of the body is an adaptation that allows the Platyoide genus to living under bark and in small cracks. Many specimens of the Platyoide genus have been found in these areas and has become a distinctive feature of the species’ natural history. Despite being a nocturnal species, the carapace orange that follows a number of the Platyoide main body features including the abdomen and legs. This colour aids in camouflage for the species as the colour is similar to that of the robust, sandy environment.

Distribution and habitat The Platyoides are found in sub-Saharan Africa and the surrounding islands it entails including Madagascar, Reunion, Aldabra and the Canay Islands. The Platyoide is nocturnal in habitat meaning it becomes active in the night and rests during the day. The taxonomic position of the genus and the interrelationships the Platyoide shares with other genus’ is often questioned. Other species exist in the Canary Islands, however no species similar to the Platyoide exist north of Africa. It has been deemed by arachnologist Noman Platnick that the Platyoide genus is old and a substantial element of the species diversification occurred prior to Madagascar separating from continental Africa.

Practicing Citations Source 1: This academic source is verifiable as Norman’s research is independent and does not contribute to any original research for the Wikipedia stub.

Source 2: This source is credible as the author Reginald Frederick Lawrence received his Ph.D through his selection of arachnids in which his research is this source.

Source 3: This source is authoritative as the platform it exists on ‘Current Biology’ is highly recognised with a vast display of acknolwged authors of whom all have a background in arachnid taxonomy.

Source 4: This source will contribute to my stub on Playtoides as it has interactive tools to understand the behaviour and movements of the Platyoides in a precise habitat.

Source 5: This will contribute to my work as it offers a different scope of understanding whilst still remaining rigorous and factual as it is based on a highly respected biological systematist.

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