Stegosaurus

“I thought that the other one was impressive, but this one is simply amazing! From its strange posture, to its imposing spinal plates, to its extraordinary tail, this is a very unique and unforgettable creature indeed. The world would be astounded if they only knew!”

— Torten Paleos, cryptodiviner, explorer, and scholar of hidden species.

The Stegosaurus is a large mysterious, reptile-like creature that scholars are now classifying as a dinosaur from the fabled continent of Dinos. So far these animals are more rumor than fact and few have had the opportunity to see them first hand.
The first thing that one notices about these massive animals are their impressive rows of dorsal plates that line the back of the creature and terminate in deadly spikes at the tip of the tail. Despite the weapons and armor, this is supposedly a peaceful creature that spends it time eating and searching for vegetation to feed upon.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Stegosaurus is a large, squat and heavily built creature externally resembling a strange lizard. This species has 2 short but powerful front legs and 2 much larger hind legs. This placement keeps the spiked tail up high for defense and the small head down low to the ground for foraging. The hide is extremely thick and has two parallel rows of alternating bony plates that line the back of the creature from its short neck to the end of its long tail, where it is tipped with two pairs of large 2 to 3 foot long sharp spikes. At the other end is a short neck and small angular head filled with small triangular teeth and a slightly curved beak that replaced the front teeth. Its eyes are widely spaced on the sides of its low positioned head.
The protective dorsal plates are covered in skin and a keratin sheath that provides extra strength and sharp cutting edges to help fend off would be predators. The thin hide contains many blood vessels that cover the plates and as the blood flows along them it can be cooled by the air aiding in thermoregulation and heat flow. Consequently it is believed that by pumping this area with blood, a red pattern emerges that can be used to signal nearby danger or used as a means of attracting a mate. Furthermore it is said that the additional size of the plates acts as a way of intimidating potential smaller predators and may deter them from attacking. The added apparent height also acts as a way of appearing larger and more mature so as to attract mates as well.

Genetics and Reproduction

Little is known of the mating habits of these enormous beasts, but what has been reported is that much like birds, they do tend to build nests, lay eggs, and protect the nests and young hatchlings. These nests are often raised, bowl shaped depressions made of mud and dirt and lined with grasses and reeds. From 8 to 20 calcite shelled eggs are usually laid in the early spring with about 75% hatching in 3 months’ time.

Growth Rate & Stages

This slow growing species has three main growth stages, the sub-adult stage, the young adult stage, and the old adult stage. The sub-adult stage has very small hide armor, dorsal plates, and tail spikes at this time. During the transition to the young adult stage there is quick growth of the hide armor and a thick and sharp keratin sheath covers the bony dorsal plates and tail spikes. During the old adult stage the protective keratin sheath and armor has stopped growing and begins to wear down, often becoming rounded in many places.

Ecology and Habitats

These cold blooded beasts are said to favor warm and humid environments far from civilization. They can be found feeding in large flat floodplains that are quick to grow many varieties of soft plants or even along conifer lined river valleys. However the most likely locations to discover them in would be the unusual and often forget fern savannahs of the equatorial regions.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Based on what explorers have seen of the mouths and teeth of this creature, it is believed to be a strict herbivore that eats only soft plants. Due to its low riding head posture, it feeds almost exclusively on low growing fruits and foliage. Its most common meals include grasses, fungi, mosses, reeds, horsetails, ferns, tree ferns, ginkoes, cycads, conifers, fruits, and in desperate times even small twigs.

Biological Cycle

In times of cold weather or scarce food this species will migrate to warmer areas or places with a more plentiful food supply. Once the migration instinct has been triggered, others of its kind in the same location will follow suit and begin to migrate as well.

Behaviour

This animal only becomes territorial towards one another while searching for mates or when food becomes scarce, otherwise they have a high tolerance for others of its species. They have been known to migrate, nest, sleep, and eat together.

Additional Information

Social Structure

As is found in some bird species, witnesses describe these animals as generally living alone and occasionally traveling in small groups of mixed ages. They most often come together when feeding in abundant fernlands or when migrating to new locations.

Domestication

There are no record of this species ever being domesticated in any way.

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Being that this is such a rare and unusual creature, few have been able to use or exploit it meaningfully yet. One can imagine that this species would be highly sought after for display in local museums or zoos, as well as serve as a terrifying beast to amuse the crowds in gladiatorial combats. However recent accounts surmise that some have begun to hunt the creature for its large tail spikes. Some say that the spikes can imbue magical abilities, prolong life, and even cure all diseases if properly prepared.

Facial characteristics

This animal has a very small, especially compared to its body size, and angular head. Its small mouth is filled with tiny, triangular teeth that is uses to eat soft plants with. The front teeth have been replaced with a horny, slightly curved beak that is uses for cutting plants and foraging.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Stegosaurs and many others can be found in only a few isolated locations worldwide. The most reliable reports place them on the fabled island continent of Dinos and the nearby islands in the mists of the uncharted Vastus Ocean. Less reliable adventurers tell tales of the great beasts being sighted in and around the remote jungle nations of Mokele and Mbembe.

Average Intelligence

It is believed to be one of the simplest minded animals and has a very limited intelligence due to its very small brain to body size ratio.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Little is known about this strange creatures senses. It is assumed that they have good hearing and eyesight to warn them of nearby predators. Having their eyes placed on the sides of their heads allows for a greater field of vision, but limits their depth perception. So they seem to trade off sight distance for a wider angle view.

Scientific Name

Dinosauria Stegosaurian Armatus

Origin/Ancestry

Many believe this, and similar creatures, to be some of the left over experimental beasts of the ancient Goliaths.

Lifespan

The estimated lifespan of these creatures is about 60 years if unencumbered by predators and disease.

Conservation Status

This species is not under any kind of governmental protection or conservation laws. Very few have heard of its existence and of those who have, even less are inclined to believe it to be anything more than just a tall tale.

Average Height

This large creature stood about 12 feet tall.

Average Weight

Due to its great size and bony plates these animals are estimated to weigh around 5 tons.

Average Length

This species has been rumored to grow to approximately 25 feet in length.

Average Physique

This is a large 4 legged reptile like creature with thick skin and a heavily armored hide.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

The Stegosaurus appears to range in color from dull green to brown with a faded black striping pattern. Their armored plates tend to be off-white to reddish in color with a black border and have black tail spikes as well.

Geographic Distribution

• Dinos

“I can’t imagine what the people will say if we could bring one back with us. The accolades, the fame, the fortune, not to mention the other rewards. We simply must bring one back with us, or maybe even two.”

— Nedis Denry, quartermaster and smuggler.

by from pixabay