Creature:Aerocaul

Aerocauls are large flying creatures native to Xuz Fareh. As their name implies, they are similar to the Earth creature Diplocaulus.

History
Aerocauls are native to the planet Xuz Fareh. Apart from the niche they occupy in the ecosystem of the planet, this species hasn't participated in any major historical events so far.

Description
Aerocauls are bulky creatures. Their most distinguishable trait is their amphibian-like head with two protrusions at the sides, causing it to resemble the extinct Earth lepospondyl Diplocaulus. Aerocauls posess two wings resembling those of a dragon, and two hind legs with grasshopper-like feet. Their tail is medium-sized and it ends in a spiked stinger.

Habitat
Aerocauls mainly reside in the wet and swampy areas of Xuz Fareh. However, they can often be found on other areas; however, this almost exclusively happens when they are moving from one pond area to another.

Behavior
Aerocauls are omnivorous creatures. They mainly feed on fish and kelp found on the water bodies it frequents. However, it can also feed on small land animals and scavenge on the corpses of other predators like Raptorels and Jawwhorls. Aerocauls are solitary creatures, rarely found in groups except when they mate. Aerocauls can tolerate the presence of herbivores in their territory, and they are usually docile even in presence of sapient species like the Llurebleg (unless harmed by them, of course); however, they will be hostile against predators, with the Raptorels being their main natural enemies. They usually low their body to the floor and raise their tail to show their sting. Against Raptorels, Aerocauls will wield aerial battles, during which the Aerocaul will try to stab the birds and take the birds down. Surprisingly for their bulk, they are agile and can maneuver with their sting really well in order to defeat a good amount of Raptorels; however, it might as well be mortally wounded or overwhelmingly exhausted due to being outnumbered buy their rivals.

Ecology
Due to their size and combat skills, Aerocauls are quite hight in the food chain, rivaling with Stroths and Raptorels, but yet being outclassed by large and/or ferocious predators like Fontis, Wildcarnagers and Pycari.

Taxonomy
The Aerocauls haven't been taxonomically classified yet.