Argeiphlock

When the Argusraptor Complex evolved, they were extremely efficient predators. For the Striped Phlocks, their attempt at confusing them with their patterns not only proved ineffective, but also robbed them of any camouflage making them easy to spot. This proved to be too much, with the species dying out in much of their former range due to this new predator eating them out of existence in habitats where they coexisted with one another. This would drive the evolution of the Argeiphlock, which took on a completely different strategy to avoid predators.

An immediate difference from their ancestor is the large presence of anthocyanins within their tissues. This gives them a purplish coloration, which provides them better camouflage while out grazing. Speaking of them grazing, the Argeiphlock has become a more selective eater, primarily going after the young shoots of plants which are more nutritious than mature leaves. The Argeiphlock will also not pass up fruit if they come across it and often travel to thickets to find these delicious morsels. This behavior, however, brings them closer to potential predators lying in wait and so the herds rely on an advanced warning system to avoid becoming food.

This warning system is partially made up by their butt-nostrils, which still make a tooting sound to warn other members of the herd. Their primary warning system, however, comes from their wings which retain chlorophyll on their undersides which makes them light green. Normally they keep the wings tucked in, to avoid attracting the attention of the Argusraptor Complex and other predators. When an individual spots a predator but not vice-versa, they will briefly flash their wings several times which alerts the herd of the threat. Once the threat is spotted but it has not spotted them, the herd will move away while remaining as quiet as they can be without getting the predator’s attention. If an individual spots a predator stalking them, however, it will fully raise its wings and make its tooting sound as a full on alarm signal to the herd, telling them to run at full pelt. If the predators catch up to an individual while in the stampeding herd and try to aim for the butt-nostril thinking it's an obvious weak point, the Argeiphlock will kick them in the face with their hind limbs, which have developed a large wooden spur to deal lethal wounds to a pursuer.

Much like their ancient ancestor the Xeno Hookmouth Phlyer, the Argeiphlocks nest communally, producing many young to counter their high predation rates. While the females tend to their offspring, males will keep watch on full alert for danger.