User:Areku/Quillaran

=Quillaran Biology 101=

Eyes
Middle "main" eye sees only colorblind like images or outlines. The three secondary eyes see their respective colors of the light spectrum combining all the sensory information into the correct image in the Quillaran's brain. The "eyepatch" is not covered in fur, but instead a bone like extrusion in the shape shown, however it is only a few cm thick. The golden outline around the main eye is just a differently colored bone extrusion, and mainly decorative.

Snout
The snout is not a mouth at all, but instead it is actually a nose. It breaths through the snout and uses its "tongue" to smell the air, much like a snake would(the snout hole is large enough for the "tongue" to be out as well as for the Quillaran to breath at the same time). The Quillaran uses its snout as their form of communication as well.They communicate by making noises from their snouts that sound similar to an aborigine digeriedoo, and are able to create different pitches in the sound. Infact(once I compile it) their "Alphabet" isn't letter based at all, but based on musical notes.

Head-Graspers
These are used as the Quillaran's equivalent to hands. They are quite dexterous. They have three digits, two thumbs on either side of the grasper, as well as having a finger in the middle. Luckily for the Quillaran, their eyes are able to move vertically enough to be able to see whatever it is they have in their grasper. In times of need, their "tongue" appendage can be used to help out the graspers in difficult tasks, as it is a very strong muscle in their body.

Claw Arms
These front appendages are the second strongest on the Quillaran, falling only behind their legs in strength. The arms have three large claws on the end that are used for multiple things. Their main use is for digging, used for digging up the ground, and enlarging their cave homes. They can also be used for attack if needed, however most of their prey are smaller animals, but if a predator attacks, the Quillaran can inflict massive damage with these claws.

Side Mouths
These are the Quillaran's true mouths. They can be operated with as much ability as any regular arm. The inside of the mouth is rowed in sharp teeh used for cutting up their food, the rows of teeth continue down its throat for better dissection of food, then swallowed and digested. See "Hunting" for more info on the mouths...

Ears
The mouths have ears on them used for hearing, especially helpfully in small spaces(the ears are hyper sensitive and able to pick up the smallest vibration). Usually the ears arefolded up against the mouth, but when they pick up a sound, they perk up and become very alert.

Legs
The Quillaran's legs are the strongest limbs that are on them. They have to be, in order to support this massive behemoth. The reason that their toes are webbed is for walking on the icy/snowy terrain of its ice homeplanet(working much like snowshoes), and yes, it is bipedal. And although they aren't the fastest creatures, they can charge if provoked. The claws are very sharp on the end of each toe, though the prospect of them actually lifting their feet to attack with them is slim. The webbed feet can also be used while swimming...more on that in "Swimming"...

Fur/Quills
Over time in the Quillaran's evolution, their light blue fur evolved into sharp quills, much like those of a porcupine or echidna. It uses these for defense and protection, as well as being able to shake its body, making the quills rustle together creating a loud rattling sound to signafy danger or to try and scare off any predator etc. The quills also provide plenty of warmth for the Quillaran on its cold, wintery planet.

Shell
The shell is the heaviest part of the Quillaran, and strangely enough, the most buoyant as well. It provides a great deffense for them. As you can see, it has small protrusions from its shell forming spike like objects for greater deffense. By curling up under its large shell, tucking its limbs underneath, and using its large claw arms to cover its face, it creates an almost inpenatrable defense.

Swimming
The Quillaran are not aquatic creatures by nature, though their physiology provides interesting ways to get around in the water. If a Quillaran near the water, it may want to take a dip or even just hunt for food. They do so by swimming on their backs, sinking a small bit below the surface. Their shell creates a nice boat shape for them to lay back in, just like an otter when they are swimming. They can fold their arms on their bellies and use their webbed feet to paddle. they tilt their head slightly so they can use their snout like a snorkle, able to stay under as long as they want.

Hunting/Foraging
They tend to hunt alone, one Quillaran goes out to hunt while the others stay at home and care for the children. They all take turns, both female and male. Its main prey are any small burrowing creatures. They smell prey out with their tongue, then send in the mouths in after it,using the ears on them to sound out where the prey is. If too deep or if they can't find it, it digs them out with the claws. And if by chance the prey trys to escape when sniffing it out, it grabs the prey with the head graspers near its snout. If hunting in the water, they use the same method as above for swimming, except they use their mouths to find food by the vibrations sent out by swimming or moving creatures, since their eyes are little use while submerged. When found, the mouths lash out at the prey and hold it inbetween their sharp teeth until it dies. If foraging they pick berries using their head graspers, or shake trees using their claw arms until food falls to the ground. They carry back all the food they can using their claw arms, head graspers and mouths, and if needed will bring more Quillarans to assist it.