Butcherclaw Worm

The butcherclaw evolved from the rare hybridization of the rainforest butcherworm and claworm. Sharing features of both species, it has gone on to form its own niche within both their ranges though have not replaced them due to an abundance of food and differing lifestyles. The species undergoes sexual dimorphism, as well as both sexes living different lifestyles.

Female butcherclaw worms live as predators and have a similar hunting style to that of the claworm. Their powerful "jaws" are capable of crushing the strongest of shells, and their improved night vision allows them to hunt efficiently at night. For the first year of their life they will hide within the leaf litter, scavenging kills and feeding on decaying plant matter. After mating and laying eggs, she will then die. Females can grow to a maximum length of 25 cm long.

Male butcherclaw worms live a rather different lifestyle. When they hatch, they seek out the scents produced by potential hosts and burrow into their skin while they sleep. They will feed on their blood for over a year, causing relatively no harm. They then make their way out of their hosts and then search for a mate. Once they have completed this task, it then dies. Males can grow to a maximum length of 10 cm long.