Bubbleskins

Bubbleskins are a derived line of shrew which are named for their unique integument, consisting of layers of highly modified air-filled scales. They are a type of blood shrew and predominantly drink blood.

Biology
Bubbleskins are mostly bipedal and primarily consume blood. Their bodies are shaped by this specialization, as they have blade-like fangs and foreclaws.

Unlike most other shrews, bubbleskins don't produce milk.

Integument
Bubbleskins have a unique approach to insulation. Each of their keratinous scales has a hollow air-filled core. Though anatomically very different, they work on a similar principle to fur--heat stays inside the body because it has difficulty being transferred through the air pockets in the bubbly scales.

History
Bubbleskins first appeared in the early ice age in the Yannickian period, being among the fauna which adapted to the growing tundras by developing their thermoregulatory capabilities, in this case by evolving mesothermy and their namesake integument. This allowed them to survive through the global glaciation of the snowball event, which wiped out most other blood shrews. When the ice receded they split into two clades, Vivus bubbleskins and Drake bubbleskins.