Snapjaw Thornback

The snapjaw thornback has replaced its increasingly marginalized ancestor and spread across Fermi. Unlike related species they form large nesting colonies made up of many pairs. Like most thornbacks they have a species specific cryobowl symbiont in which they lay their eggs. Unlike their relatives however they actively spread their symbiont by eating its fruit during the mating and child rearing season. Mating colonies form around naturally occurring patches of this cryobowl and are expanded by generations of snapjaws.

Unlike related species the snapjaw will remain with in the mating colonies until the larva reach metamorphosis. Many of their adaptations such as the powerful jaws, forward facing thorns, and springing legs allow them to fight or frighten off any intruders. Although rare, nest disturbers are occasionally killed rather than chased off. In these cases the carcass is eaten rather then left to waste.