There is some doubt about the relative scientific merits of retaining this species in Gymnoplectronrather than transferring it to Pachyrhamma. This combination is retained here just to highlight the problem. The species is rare and is easily recognised by the series of very large, widely separated "rose-thorn" spines on its back legs. Members of Pachyrhamma and other genera always have numerous small, closely-spaced, straight spines on their hind legs.