Spidorcion

The Spidorcion is a species of spider-scorpion hybrid beasts that are native to (and often never leave) the region of Dreagor. They are the most common beasts that you will see roaming the desert, as well as a threat if you desire to traverse it. There are two variants, the Dwarf Spidorcion, and the Giant Spidorcion. The Dwarf Spidorcion are about the size of a small cat, and are omnivorous. The Giant Spidorcions are much larger, the largest of which growing up to the size of a small car. These are carnivorous. Both the Dwarf and Giant Spidorcions are venomous, both in the tail and fangs.

Basic Information

Anatomy

The Spidorcion, both Dwarf and Giant, are a hybrid of a spider and a scorpion. Spidorcions have eight eyes and two sets of pedipalps. They have poisonous fangs and tail, fangs from spiders, and the tail of a scorpion. The legs of a Spidorcion start out small like scorpion legs for their first pair, but moving down they get bigger like tarantula in their second and third pair. The final pair however is small again. The Dwarf Spidorcion has a more yellow, sandy coloration, while the Giant Spidorcion tends to be darker colored. The Spidorcions have an exoskeleton rather than an endoskeleton, and are considered arthropods like both scorpions and spiders.

Genetics and Reproduction

Spidorcions have a mating season that spans through Life and into the first week of River. During mating season, Spidorcions from all over Dreagor follow ancient pheromone trails to the Spidorcion’s ancestral mating site. Once gathered there, females pick the biggest and strongest male Spidorcions to mate with. Female Spidorcions are larger than the males, and will often eat them after mating. Spidorcions produce a large amount of eggs, and will carry them on their back for around 3 months before depositing them in a random space in the desert. There they will, hatch, fight each other, and then the ones that survive wander out into the desert. It is possible to breed a Dwarf Spidorcion with a Giant Spidorcion, but it won’t turn out particularly well for the Dwarf. Or you.

Growth Rate & Stages

In the first few months of its life, a Spidorcion will wander around as a miniature version of its adult self, Dwarf Spidorcions feeding off of eggs and plant matter, and Giant Spidorcions feeding of of vipers and Dwarf Spidorcions. About a year into their life, Spidorcions will begin to shed it’s skin excessively, growing bigger and bigger through each molt. Spidorcions never go through any sort of cocoon or chrysalis stage, and never go through any metamorphosis.

Ecology and Habitats

All Spidorcions are native to, and often never leave, the deserts of Dreagor. They are an optimal part of the desert ecosystem. Giant Spidorcions being the dominant preparator (aside from Deathworm), and Dwarf Spidorcions being the omnivorous little guy, it all balances out.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The Giant Spidorcion is carnivorous, over 70% of their diet being meat. Dwarf Spidorcions are considered mesocarnivores, or omnivores, eating both plants and meats. Both subspecies have no problem with cannibalism, and it is in fact a major part of both their diets.

Biological Cycle

Spidorcions shed their skin, varying when in their life they are. For example, an adolescent Spidorcion will shed their skin every 1-2 months, but an adult will shed them once a year or less. A baby Spidorcion has a much softer exoskeleton, and sheds only once they begin growing into adults.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Spidorcions don’t have very good hearing or touch, but both their smell and sight are excellent. They can see in the dark, and they can smell particular scents very well, such as blood.

Lifespan

Dwarf - 14-20, Giant - 16-24

Average Height

Dwarf Spidorcions are usually around 1.5 feet in hight. Giant Spidorcions average 8 feet.

Average Weight

Dwarf Spidorcions weigh no more than the average house cat, in short around 8-10 pounds when fully grown. Giant Spidorcions weigh 950 to 1700 pounds on average.

Average Length

Giant Spidorcions can be as long as a Mini Cooper, in short around 12 and a half feet. Dwarf Spidorcions are around 1 foot 8 inches on average.

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dwarf Spidorcions tend to have more varying patterns and markings than the Giant Spidorcions do. In addition their coloring tends to be lighter than Giants.

Geographic Distribution

• Dreagor