About Holoplatys apressus (Powell, 1873)
Holoplatys apressus is a small species with an unusually flat body. This flat body shape is thought to be an adaptation to its preferred habitat of small spaces under bark. The body is typically black-brown and covered in grey hairs. Adult males of the species may have longitudinal black stripes along the abdomen. This species is most commonly found under the bark of Manuka and Kanuka trees. Some individuals have also been found under the bark of the exotic species Pinus radiata, and on driftwood. This observation has led to the suggestion that the species may have rafted to its current location from Australia.
