Snapjaw Thornback

Snapjaw Thornback
(Fortumaxilae clausewitzi)
25/?, unknown cause
Information
Creator	Solpimr Other
Week/Generation	24/154
Habitat	Fermi Rocky
Size	90 cm Long
Primary Mobility	Unknown
Support	Unknown
Diet	Omnivore (Cryobowl fruits, Pioneeroots, Cloudswarmer larvae, Marbleflora, Glaalgaes, Dartirs) Scavenger
Respiration	Active (Lungs)
Thermoregulation	Ectotherm
Reproduction	Sexual, Two Sexes, Frog-like Eggs Laid into heavily defended Cryobowl
Taxonomy
Domain Genus Species	Eukaryota Fortumaxilae Fortumaxilae clausewitzi

Ancestor:	Descendants:
Thornback	Snapjaw Thorndillo Snapjaw Sandcrock Giant Leatherback

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.

Living Relatives (click to show/hide)

These are randomly selected, and organized from lowest to highest shared taxon. (This may correspond to similarity more than actual relation)

Snapjaw Sandcrock (family Fortimaxillidae)

Cryorasher (order Acanthomoi)

Fluneinzee (class Saurochelones)