Platyhystrix modernus (meaning "flat porcupine of modern times") is a species of temnospondyl amphibian with a distinctive sail along its back, similar to the unrelated synapsids, Dimetrodon and Edaphosaurus, that first lived in in late Carboniferous and early Permian and was once extinct, but has been brought back through genetic engineering by SciiFii. Some of the Platyhystrix were intended to be located in Reptile House of Paleozoic Park, located in Downey, California, however some of the Platyhystrix were accidentally introduced to modern North America outside of captivity after several pairs of Platyhystrix escaped through burrowing underneath their planned exhibits, and ever since they now live throughout wilderness and human settlements of western United States. Platyhystrix is a solitary animal in most of its time and is largely carnivorous, feeding mainly on arthropods, worms, leeches, small fish, smaller amphibians, small lizards, small snakes, baby birds, eggs, small mammals, and carrion, but can occasionally feed on fruits, fungi, and man-made food to supplement its diet. The sail of the Platyhystrix is used for regulating its body temperature and, during the breeding season, the males' sails become bright in color to attract the mates.