Uncitrullus Smoolk

Ferrihydrite Diet

The uncitrullus smoolk specializes in a certain kind of iron oxide: ferrihydrite. As ferrihydrite is a widespread mineral, despite its specialization it is not restricted to a certain area. However, the equator of Mason is too hot for it to survive, limiting it to the northern part of the Mason Barren Wasteland.

It requires less water than its ancestor, it can turn the oxygen and hydrogen in ferrihydrite into glucose. (sugar) Just like photosynthesis, this a very complex process; it's not even clear whether it even needs sunlight to turn ferrihydrite constituents into glucose. It is less efficient at photosynthesis than its ancestor, which could mean it is becoming dependent on "fehysynthesis" (ferrihydrite photosynthesis) in lieu of conventional photosynthesis.

Its interior consists of "green rust", which is a modified form of the food it eats. In a sense, it uses its own excrement to build its skeleton, much like a xenophyophore. Both the inside and outside of the interior sport numerous holes, which are filled by the squishy living part of its body.

Similarities with a Snail

If the uncitrullus smoolk's outer membrane dries out, like a snail it will hide within its shell until conditions become better. After a short time of exposure to oxygen, the interior's surface can turn different colors, such as orange, yellow, red, or dark brown. It may even change colors in succession, depending on what chemicals are around to interact with the interior.

Another similarity it shares with a snail is its tendency to dissolve if exposed to salt. If exposed to salt when hiding in its shell, the shell will dissolve, crumble, and break apart. (After all, salt is used in rust removal, and as an iron oxide, "green rust" is a relative of rust.)

If a uncitrullus smoolk is sliced in half and each half is then placed flat-side-down, each half can regenerate into another individual. However, this rarely occurs because no one bothers slicing them. (with the exception of a crazy scientist with a very sharp knife)

Due to the prevalence of uncitrullus smoolks in the northern part of the Mason Barren Wasteland, one commonly sees earth-colored rainbows of pumice oranges there---dead or hibernating uncitrullus smoolks.