It's not too bold at all. I really like it! May its sailing days be long and the bounty it gathers from the sea be plentiful.
They're adorable little spheres. Reminds me of the Floating Pea a little bit.
Now I'm curious if newly hatched baby snappers look like the Kingosnapper, just with more fuzz and disproportionately larger (though closed) eyes.
Sorry about the lack of comments, just got off work earlier today and had Pathfinder last night. These are very adorable, and I'm already imagining a flea-like genus based on these.
My plan is if it seems that there will be a spot, I'll submit it. Otherwise I'll change the groups to two and make the third one a split from one of these two next generation.
I was worried if I submitted it, then someone wouldn't be able to do the contest.
Fixed. I must have thought of a different name at one point, but never went about using it.
Regal Sphinx (Subnixiflora gelidamons)
Creator: Nergali
Ancestor: [[Electro Spelunkhoe]]
Habitat: [[Dixon-Darwin Boreal]], [[Blood Tropical Riparian]], [[Bardic Tropical Riparian]], [[Kenotia Tropical Riparian]], [[Pipcard Tropical Riparian]], [[Wright Tropical Riparian]], [[Terra Tropical Riparian]], [[Ichthy Tropical Riparian]], [[BioCat Tropical Riparian]], [[Gec Tropical Riparian]], [[Glicker Tropical Riparian]], [[Jeluki Tropical Riparian]], [[Always Tropical Riparian]]
Size: 40.4 cm long
Diet: Omnivore ([[Pioneeroots]], [[Minikruggs]], [[Vermees]], [[Cushprongs]], [[Salt Buffel]], [[Puff Reed]])
Reproduction: Sexual, Two Genders, Live Birth
With no natural predators within their ancestral homeland, the population of the [[Electro Spelunkhoe|electro spelunkhoe]] inevitably continued to grow, only kept in check by the amount of food available. When food sources were low, mass migrations would occur, the first and, for the time, most prominent of which gave rise to the [[Hikahoe]] and its descendants. This migration wave would not be the last, however, and would be followed by several other, smaller waves which typically fared poorly: the participants of these were often times overwhelmed by predators or succumbed to the elements. This went on until, after several thousand years, a particularly fruitful series of decades led to much floral abundance in [[Electro Limestone Caves]], which in turn led to a massive increase in the spelunkhoe population within. When food sources eventually dwindled, though, starvation followed. To avoid death, one of the largest migration known for the species was undergone, all in the search of new food sources. As they left the cave system, the wave eventually split into three, all of which went their separate ways.
The regal sphinx - sometimes referred to as royal sphinxes due to the coloration of the males - came about from the wave that went westwards towards the deeper boreal wilderness. Similar to their cousin, the [[phouka]], which also inhabits the same region, they have adapted well to the local cuisine. Dining upon a wide variety of small flora and tiny fauna, they grow fat on vermees, minikruggs, and various rooted purple flora. They prefer to dwell near ponds and lakes that abound about the region, and have thus adapted to this lifestyle by developing a limited capacity to swim. They will, however, only swim during the spring and summer months, as otherwise the waters are too cold to dwell in.
Compared to its ancestor, the regal sphinx has evolved to become larger and more robust, a necessity for surviving in a cooler environment. Their feet have become larger, with fleshy pads that help them to avoid sinking in the mud and even freshly fallen snow. Males posses a prominent scarlet crest, which they use to display their health and strength to potential mates, as well as a striking green hue on the skin of their heads. Females, meanwhile, lack these features, being fairly drab in comparison. Regal sphinxes mate for life, with both parents caring for the young as they carry them about in their pouches. Because of this, females tend to produce four to six offspring with every mating.
While typically inhabiting the highlands most of the year, when the cold touch of winter begins to settle down upon the land, the regal sphinx will head down from the hills, traveling along the riverbanks. A plethora of various riverside dwelling flora and fauna abound in these regions, providing them with a rich bounty to nourish themselves upon. Small groupings, brought together by happenstance, become incredibly common in these warmer regions during the winter. They will seek out mates during these times, and will start to raise their families here was as well. Once the young are large enough, they will travel alongside their parents back into the boreal regions once the warm of spring has returned to them.
Made the changes, and still haven't managed to procure one to test that. They tend to bolt immediately upon being seen.
[Submission for MNIDJM's Contest]
Phouka (Musmanticaeflora silva)
Creator: Nergali
Ancestor: [[Electro Spelunkhoe]]
Habitat: [[Dixon-Darwin Boreal]], [[Darwin Temperate Forest]], [[Vivus Boreal]], [[Dixon-Darwin Rocky]], [[Vivus Rocky]]
Size: Male: 38.4 cm long; Female: 45 cm long
Diet: Herbivore ([[Marbleflora]], [[Pioneeroots]], [[Pioneer Quillball])
Reproduction: Sexual, Two Genders, Live Birth
With no natural predators within their ancestral homeland, the population of the [[Electro Spelunkhoe|electro spelunkhoe]] inevitably continued to grow, only kept in check by the amount of food available. When food sources were low, mass migrations would occur, the first and, for the time, most prominent of which gave rise to the [[Hikahoe]] and its descendants. This migration wave would not be the last, however, and would be followed by several other, smaller waves which typically fared poorly: the participants of these were often times overwhelmed by predators or succumbed to the elements. This went on until, after several thousand years, a particularly fruitful series of decades led to much floral abundance in [[Electro Limestone Caves]], which in turn led to a massive increase in the spelunkhoe population within. When food sources eventually dwindled, though, starvation followed. To avoid death, one of the largest migration known for the species was undergone, all in the search of new food sources. As they left the cave system, the wave eventually split into three, all of which went their separate ways.
The phouka came about from the wave that went southwards, further into the mountainous hills and temperate woodlands. There they found a bounty of flora much akin to that which grew within their ancient home, and soon adapted to feed upon it and thus flourished. Due to the cooler temperatures, they have grown bigger over the countless generations, with females being distinctly larger than the males. Skin hued a slight dusty brown, they hide amongst the underbrush, bolting at the first sign of danger, and live fairly solitary lives until the crisp air of fall blankets the land. Sensing the impending onslaught of winter that is sure to come, males will seek out females to mate with, as well as begin to gorge themselves until they have developed a fine layer of fat.
As the first snowflakes begin to fall, the phouka dig their burrows in secure, well-hidden locations, so that they may be safe from starving predators once the land is covered in snow. They will line their burrows with dried out leaves and small flora, which serve to help insulate as well as provide a quick snack should they wake too soon from their hibernation. Indeed, unlike their ancestors, the phouka have evolved the capacity to hibernate, which they utilize to help them avoid the harsher parts of the year when winter hold reign over the woodlands. Snug in their holes, they sleep peacefully until the warmth of spring arrives and wakes them from their slumber.
Many females will wake to the stirring of one to two offspring who are born towards the end of the winter. Already possessed well-developed forelimb claws and arm muscles, the newborn pups will instinctually make their way to the warm and protection of their mother's pouches. Within these pouches, which once formed a part of the photosynthetic wing structures of earlier plents, the mothers now secrete a thick, sugary sap-like substance which the young eagerly lap up for nourishment, much akin to how the offspring of other species of Sagan IV consume milk.
The young will stick with their mothers for three to four months, during which they will leave the pouch within a quarter of that time. During this period of time, they will learn what food is safe to eat, how to dig burrows, as well as how to avoid predation. Should they manage to survive to adulthood, they will potentially live up to half dozen years should neither sickness or predation claim them.
Phouka (Musmanticaeflora silva)
Creator: Nergali
Ancestor: [[Electro Spelunkhoe]]
Habitat: [[Dixon-Darwin Boreal]], [[Darwin Temperate Forest]], [[Vivus Boreal]], [[Dixon-Darwin Rocky]], [[Vivus Rocky]]
Size: Male: 38.4 cm long; Female: 45 cm long
Diet: Herbivore ([[Marbleflora]], [[Pioneeroots]], [[Pioneer Quillball])
Reproduction: Sexual, Two Genders, Live Birth
With no natural predators within their ancestral homeland, the population of the [[Electro Spelunkhoe|electro spelunkhoe]] inevitably continued to grow, only kept in check by the amount of food available. When food sources were low, mass migrations would occur, the first and, for the time, most prominent of which gave rise to the [[Hikahoe]] and its descendants. This migration wave would not be the last, however, and would be followed by several other, smaller waves which typically fared poorly: the participants of these were often times overwhelmed by predators or succumbed to the elements. This went on until, after several thousand years, a particularly fruitful series of decades led to much floral abundance in [[Electro Limestone Caves]], which in turn led to a massive increase in the spelunkhoe population within. When food sources eventually dwindled, though, starvation followed. To avoid death, one of the largest migration known for the species was undergone, all in the search of new food sources. As they left the cave system, the wave eventually split into three, all of which went their separate ways.
The phouka came about from the wave that went southwards, further into the mountainous hills and temperate woodlands. There they found a bounty of flora much akin to that which grew within their ancient home, and soon adapted to feed upon it and thus flourished. Due to the cooler temperatures, they have grown bigger over the countless generations, with females being distinctly larger than the males. Skin hued a slight dusty brown, they hide amongst the underbrush, bolting at the first sign of danger, and live fairly solitary lives until the crisp air of fall blankets the land. Sensing the impending onslaught of winter that is sure to come, males will seek out females to mate with, as well as begin to gorge themselves until they have developed a fine layer of fat.
As the first snowflakes begin to fall, the phouka dig their burrows in secure, well-hidden locations, so that they may be safe from starving predators once the land is covered in snow. They will line their burrows with dried out leaves and small flora, which serve to help insulate as well as provide a quick snack should they wake too soon from their hibernation. Indeed, unlike their ancestors, the phouka have evolved the capacity to hibernate, which they utilize to help them avoid the harsher parts of the year when winter hold reign over the woodlands. Snug in their holes, they sleep peacefully until the warmth of spring arrives and wakes them from their slumber.
Many females will wake to the stirring of one to two offspring who are born towards the end of the winter. Already possessed well-developed forelimb claws and arm muscles, the newborn pups will instinctually make their way to the warm and protection of their mother's pouches. Within these pouches, which once formed a part of the photosynthetic wing structures of earlier plents, the mothers now secrete a thick, sugary sap-like substance which the young eagerly lap up for nourishment, much akin to how the offspring of other species of Sagan IV consume milk.
The young will stick with their mothers for three to four months, during which they will leave the pouch within a quarter of that time. During this period of time, they will learn what food is safe to eat, how to dig burrows, as well as how to avoid predation. Should they manage to survive to adulthood, they will potentially live up to half dozen years should neither sickness or predation claim them.
I'm going to make this three separate submissions. May a moderator please remove this when they see it?
Okay, I made the changes to the name and such.
I don't seem to be able to edit the title of this, so if a moderator sees this, could you change the name to reflect the new species name?
I don't seem to be able to edit the title of this, so if a moderator sees this, could you change the name to reflect the new species name?
Not so much a sweet tooth as it is that these have a sweet tongue, it would seem.
[Submission for MNIDJM's Contest]
Vermahoes (Musmanticaeflora)
Creator: Nergali
Ancestors: [[Electro Spelunkhoe]], [[Hikahoe]]
Habitat: Global (Dixon, Darwin, Vivus)
Size: 10 cm to 20 cm long
Diet: Omnivore ([[Marbleflora]], [[Pioneeroots]], [[Supershrooms]], [[Sapshrooms]], [[Dartirs]], [[Sapworms]], [[Xenobees]], [[Minikruggs]], [[Vermees]]))
Reproduction: Sexual, Two Genders, Live Birth, Prolific Breeders
When the [[Electro Spelunkhoe|electro spelunkhoe]] first left the safety of their ancient home, the [[Electro Limestone Caves]], they eventually gave rise to the species known as [[Hikahoe|hikahoe]]. As time continued to go by, a lack of predators within the cave led to continued population increases, followed by inevitable exoduses in search of new homes and food sources. Chance occurrences between themselves and their kin led to the occasional matings, which created fertile offspring. These vermahoes, while smaller than either of their ancestors, went on to spread across the continent of Dixon, before inevitably making their way to Darwin and Vivus as well. In time, they established themselves amongst the undergrowth, taking on a variety of small niches and food sources, but in turn becoming food sources for much larger predators as well.
Reproduction is the same as it was with both of its ancestors. After a chance mating, females will undergo a short gestation of three to four weeks. The resulting young, often twins or rarely quadruplets, are then born, resembling a cross between an electro spelunkhoe and a fleshy jelly bean to some degree. In this helpless state, they must then make their way to their mother's pouches, crawling in with their already developed claws, and then remain within for slightly over a month, during which they will lap up the sugary secretions secreted - not unlike the milk produced by some plents - within from portions of the anatomy that once formed the photosynthetic wings of their distant ancestors. After this point, the young will leave the pouch and begin to consume solid food left for them by their mother, as well as learning several survival skills from her. Once they have grown large enough - and consequently when their mother is ready to mate again, which is typically after a few weeks - they will head out on their own and hopefully continue on their species.
Most vermahoe species are relatively solitary, though their habits often lead to them living in close proximity to one another, with only a few species being truly social organisms. They feed on a wide range of flora and small fauna. While some specialize, most are fairly generalized in their diets, which alongside their fairly rapid reproduction rate has led to them spreading throughout the supercontinent they inhabit. Communication is often accomplished via short "chirps" caused by forcing air through their tail holes. The more social the species, the more complex their "chirps" and "squeaks" are.
Most species are active all year long, but those that dwell in temperate and polar climates will dig small burrows and hibernate within them. Adorning their dens with dried-out flora and fattening themselves up with a calorie-rich diet, they wait out the worst parts of the year until the warmer weather returns.
Picture depicts a forest dwelling temperate species (top left), a colorful rainforest dwelling tropical species (right), and a lakeside dwelling polar species (bottom left).
Vermahoes (Musmanticaeflora)
Creator: Nergali
Ancestors: [[Electro Spelunkhoe]], [[Hikahoe]]
Habitat: Global (Dixon, Darwin, Vivus)
Size: 10 cm to 20 cm long
Diet: Omnivore ([[Marbleflora]], [[Pioneeroots]], [[Supershrooms]], [[Sapshrooms]], [[Dartirs]], [[Sapworms]], [[Xenobees]], [[Minikruggs]], [[Vermees]]))
Reproduction: Sexual, Two Genders, Live Birth, Prolific Breeders
When the [[Electro Spelunkhoe|electro spelunkhoe]] first left the safety of their ancient home, the [[Electro Limestone Caves]], they eventually gave rise to the species known as [[Hikahoe|hikahoe]]. As time continued to go by, a lack of predators within the cave led to continued population increases, followed by inevitable exoduses in search of new homes and food sources. Chance occurrences between themselves and their kin led to the occasional matings, which created fertile offspring. These vermahoes, while smaller than either of their ancestors, went on to spread across the continent of Dixon, before inevitably making their way to Darwin and Vivus as well. In time, they established themselves amongst the undergrowth, taking on a variety of small niches and food sources, but in turn becoming food sources for much larger predators as well.
Reproduction is the same as it was with both of its ancestors. After a chance mating, females will undergo a short gestation of three to four weeks. The resulting young, often twins or rarely quadruplets, are then born, resembling a cross between an electro spelunkhoe and a fleshy jelly bean to some degree. In this helpless state, they must then make their way to their mother's pouches, crawling in with their already developed claws, and then remain within for slightly over a month, during which they will lap up the sugary secretions secreted - not unlike the milk produced by some plents - within from portions of the anatomy that once formed the photosynthetic wings of their distant ancestors. After this point, the young will leave the pouch and begin to consume solid food left for them by their mother, as well as learning several survival skills from her. Once they have grown large enough - and consequently when their mother is ready to mate again, which is typically after a few weeks - they will head out on their own and hopefully continue on their species.
Most vermahoe species are relatively solitary, though their habits often lead to them living in close proximity to one another, with only a few species being truly social organisms. They feed on a wide range of flora and small fauna. While some specialize, most are fairly generalized in their diets, which alongside their fairly rapid reproduction rate has led to them spreading throughout the supercontinent they inhabit. Communication is often accomplished via short "chirps" caused by forcing air through their tail holes. The more social the species, the more complex their "chirps" and "squeaks" are.
Most species are active all year long, but those that dwell in temperate and polar climates will dig small burrows and hibernate within them. Adorning their dens with dried-out flora and fattening themselves up with a calorie-rich diet, they wait out the worst parts of the year until the warmer weather returns.
Picture depicts a forest dwelling temperate species (top left), a colorful rainforest dwelling tropical species (right), and a lakeside dwelling polar species (bottom left).
I like this, and I agree Disgustedorite. A lot of our current genera are far too broad, and "specialized" ones like this definitely help to flesh out the ecosystems of Sagan IV. Also, I noticed what you mentioned elsewhere, but I don't see any reason why a genus can't go extinct. Massive ecological disasters could do it, albeit rarely.
I, for one, welcome our new bloodsucking overlords. I'd like to remind them as a trusted Sagan IV member, I can be helpful in creating new species to satiate their sanguineous needs.
View Desktop Version | Disable Images in Posts
Powered by Invision Power Board (Jcink) © 2023 IPS, Inc.
Powered by Invision Power Board (Jcink) © 2023 IPS, Inc.