Rhino Scorpion

The Rhino Scorpion is a bottom-dwelling carnivore, sometimes having been seen in the Air Pocket Caves. They are most well known for their prominent horns, which they only really use to defend against larger predators rather than hunting. They have been observed using their forelimbs to catch their opponent in a vice-like grip, before ramming their largest horn into their face, and jabbing their tail spikes into their eyes. Despite their anatomy, these creatures are very flexible, able to curl into a ball to ensnare other creatures.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Rhino Scorpions have bulky armored bodies, with heads sporting three long horns, one of them being much longer than the others. They have eight long walking legs and two forelimbs featuring long barbed appendages. Their tails are blunt, but have three small spikes on the end.

Genetics and Reproduction

These scorpions are often very friendly towards one another, and will select mates based on kindness as well as physical attributes. They will grab a chunk of flesh from a kill, and present it to a potential partner by balancing it on their forelimbs. If their partner accepts the offer, they will travel to a Pocket Cave to lay their eggs, which can stick onto the ceiling of the cave with organic glue. Both of the parents will routinely return to the nest to check on it, placing scents on the ground only they can follow.

Growth Rate & Stages

As soon as the young start to hatch, the parents will return to the nest to feed them a chunk of flesh they brought from a kill, so they can feed without having to slaughter each other. Baby Rhino Scorpions often learn things on their own fairly easily, and spend most of their time on the ceiling of the cave, only crawling to the water to rehydrate themselves after spending long periods of time in the air. The parents will constantly return to feed them a portion of their kills, until they are fully grown, where they will then learn to make kills for themselves.

Ecology and Habitats

Rhino Scorpions inhabit the Fields of the Nightlight Zone, and inhabit just about any environment. They spend almost all of their time crawling out in the open, only relying on sheer distance to hide from larger predators. Several scuff marks can be found around the entrances to the Pocket Caves, thought to be from them sharpening their claws and horns on the rocks.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Rhino Scorpions are scavengers, favoring chasing off other predators from their kills, so they can take it for their own. Sometimes, they even kill their opponent, and reap the benefit of getting more food from the endeavor. They will also hunt Crescenthorn Trilobites from time to time, stalking them from a distance before rushing in and chasing them, only killing one or two due to being outran by the rest.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Rhino Scorpions have four eyes, two larger ones for seeing in front, and two smaller ones for seeing to the sides. They mainly use their hearing and smell when inside the Pocket Caves, rather than sight.

Symbiotic and Parasitic organisms

Even though the Rhino Scorpion doesn't actively seek them out, Trivinea can get their spores attached to their shells, and will only fall off from the intense brawls that these scorpions get themselves into.

Scientific Name

Spinapterus cornum

Lifespan

Unknown

Conservation Status

Endangered

Average Weight

530 lbs

Average Length

8.3 ft.

Average Physique

Slim

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Dark grey shell, glowing white eyes

Geographic Distribution

• The Ash Fields

Average Intelligence
Fairly high