Pricklevine

One of the more deceptive creatures found in many temperate forest regions is the pricklevine. Despite its name, this isn't a plant, but an animal. In fact, it is an ambush predator that uses its appearance to a common crawling vine to mask the reality of its true nature.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Prickevines are actually a type of mollusk. The central body is protected by a calcareous covering that allows the creature to mimic the 'stump' of a mature crawling vine. Extending out from the central body are eight to twelve 'runners' or legs. These appendages are what a pricklevine uses to catch and hold its prey.

A pricklevine is quite flexible as it lacks an internal skeleton. The animal is actually a collection of muscles of varying strengths kept under pressure by fluid. To protect itself against external damage from nearby plants that it shares a location with, the pricklevine exudes a thin, clear slime coating. This prevents accidental scrapes and if punctured, causes an automatic seal to form from the slime, allowing the beast time to recover.

When at rest, or waiting for a meal, the pricklevine curls its legs tight while draping them around nearby objects. This enhances it camouflage of being a plant and conceals the sharp, thorn-like claws that line the tentacles underside. It's these claws - in combination with the animal's strength - that holds it prey once caught.

The natural camouflage used by the beast is adapted to their surroundings. Their calcareous covering over their bulb-like body has the appearance of wood with colors that range from a golden brown to even dark brown mahogany. Its limbs start off the same shade of brown as its body but taper off to a healthy shade of mild green to approximate the vine-like appearance.

Genetics and Reproduction

The pricklevine are in fact, warm-blooded egg-laying animals. They will lay eggs in marshlands with the male being responsible for caring for the young while the female hunts. This is one of the few times where the pricklevine will not remain in one location to eat, but will drag tenderized prey back for the young to learn and consume.

Ecology and Habitats

Pricklevines prefer temperate to warm climates that have easy access to moisture or are known for having a heavy rainy season. The water helps the animal maintain its rubbery, durable outer coating that protects it from the weather and environment.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Pricklevines are carnivorous while only occasionally subsisting on cold-weather root vegetables during the winter months. When it does eat, the pricklevine doesn't consume its prey immediately. Instead, prey caught by the beast is then slowly constricted and suffocated. This has two purposes for the animal.

First, it reduces the risk of injury in case its prey attempts to fight back during eating - which is when the pricklevine is most vulnerable. Second, it acts as a tenderizing methodology as the pricklevine has teeth, they are small and are used in a grinding fashion, not for tearing.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

As the pricklevine is an ambush hunter, its speed lies in snaring prey. But their perceptive abilities are limited. They have great ability to sense nearby heat changes, even during the hottest months of the year. But they are very nearsighted with regards to eyesight. The animal also does have the ability to taste through the use of its legs, but does lack any sense of smell.