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#hell #horned #iguana #lizard #reptile #spec #speculative #phrynosoma #gorgaias #orsaf #antlers #evolution #speculativeevolution
Published: 2022-03-01 21:57:33 +0000 UTC; Views: 6853; Favourites: 21; Downloads: 1
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Description
This is the Orsaf, a iguana-like lizard from my spec evo project, Gorgaias.Orsaf are descended from a species of Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma). The are found on an island chains off the continent of Avadon, and are an example of island gigantism. Orsaf reach comparable sizes to a large iguana, the biggest males capable of reaching over 12 kg (25 lbs) in weight; females are considerably smaller.
The spiny body of the ancestral Horned Lizard has become even more armor-like in this descendant, forming a layer of protective scutes along the back. Another unique quality about the Orsaf is that during the breeding season the males grow antler-like projections (pseudoantlers) atop their head. These are purely for display, and are not used for fighting or defense. Like a deers antlers, the Orsaf sheds them after the breeding season; females and juveniles lack these ornaments entirely. The bigger males with more access to resources grow the more impressive pseudoantlers, and the males of different island populations grow different shapes (indicating several species or subspecies occur). Adult Orsaf lack predators, but young are vulnerable from predation by birds of prey. Despite their rough appearance, Orsaf are largely herbivores, only occasionally eating invertebrates and birds eggs. They are generally passive, but males can become very territorial during the breeding season and will snap at intruders with teeth and tail.