Rattler Hydra
Basic Information
Anatomy
Rattler Hydras have among the most unique physiology among creatures native to Khthon. It is easy to see where their name comes from with the multiple stalks growing from their serpentine body much like the heads of their more magical namesakes. Those stalks are the subject of much debate among the majority of those familiar with the serpents, including a very common myth that any individual stalk can be the true head of the snake and that this can change from moment to moment. When not striking or eating, each stalk seems to end in the rattle that provides the first half of their name and it only when suddenly one expands to show a fanged mouth that the distinction can be observed. The determination of which stalk hides the head appears to be quite well randomized, no pattern is discernable even across the same clutch or multiple clutches from the same parents. Though they do not possess the ability to grow back multiple stalks like the monsters they share a name with, they do regrow individual stalks over time. Most surprisingly, if the head stalk is lost, one of the remaining stalks will develop into a new head. It does not appear that a regrown stalk has this ability, and so there is a limit to this type of immortality.
Genetics and Reproduction
Despite their unique appearance, nothing about the breeding or reproductive habits of the rattler hydra is a departure from other snakes. The only abnormal genetics occur after the snake has hatched in the case that it loses a stalk in the morphing of a new head and the growth of the new stalk.
Growth Rate & Stages
Rattler hydras are an extremely slow growing species, but if they survive long enough they are also Khthon's third largest snake species reaching dozens of meters in length in the case of the largest recorded specimens.
Additional Information
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
The head stalk of the rattler hydra does contain well hidden eyes, but the majority of their perceptive prowess is found in other less ostentatious senses like smell and hearing.
Scientific Name
Crotalus Lernea
Geographic Distribution
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