18-Scorpii-4 Fauna: Ape Hexapods

The most recently recognized group of hexapods, 18Scorpii, appears to have followed an evolutionary path similar to that of the CMV, but favoring forelimbs equipped with prehensile digits rather than raptorial claws. The classification of animals in this group has been greatly complicated by the morphological diversity of its four subgroups. It has been deduced that this group must have undergone numerous phylogenetic variations, and the resulting animals likely became highly specialized at various levels of adaptation.
This group therefore took some time to acquire a code name, formerly designated as "Hi" (for "hexapod with integuments"). It was only with the identification of more species and a better understanding of their phylogeny that they were given a more concrete code name: "HPS" (for "Hyenidae-Primates-Sapiens").
The most basal subgroup, and the one still extant, is potentially the most distinct from the other "HPS". Likely resulting from specialized evolution for terrestrial predation, this subgroup, nicknamed "Hyena" or "Hyena Baboon," is recognizable by its massive body, elongated limbs, and especially its hands resembling monstrous claws. Also social, these opportunistic predators hunt in groups, targeting easy or weakened prey.
The second subgroup of "HPS" is not illustrated here! Corresponding to "Sapiens" in the Code Name, this subgroup is where the Scorpinians were classified. It is estimated that this branch of their phylogeny also underwent specific evolution, leading to the few species to which the Scorpinians belong. Unfortunately, fossil studies have not yet been sufficiently advanced to clearly identify the ancestors and related species of this subgroup.
The third subgroup is known as "Scorpi-monkey" (or simply "Monkey"). Morphologically quite similar to « Sapiens », this subgroup is distinguished by several morphological characteristics, such as the absence of opposable thumbs on the second pair of limbs, and a near-specialization in forest environments, particularly tropical ones! The species illustrated here is somewhat equivalent to the gibbon, adapted to swinging in the trees. Its elongated limbs aid its arboreal movements, while its forelimbs, equipped with hands, allow it to carry objects.
The last group of "HPS" is probably the most atypical! Resembling small arboreal primates, such as capuchins, they are distinguished primarily by their incredible double pair of dorsal integuments, which take the form of butterfly wings. Nicknamed "Gliders," these small insectivorous or frugivorous animals use their "wings" to glide from tree to tree, much like some tropical canopy animals on Earth. Despite their striking appearance, their bodies are quite similar to other "HPS", in terms of skull shape, prehensile hands, etc.