Litlikonsk
Basic Information
Anatomy
The Litlikonsk is a highly fecund species (38 clutch of eggs; fecundity over 20 after 15 years old) with a high adult survival rate and long life span. Like all true crocodilians, the Litlikonsk is a quadruped, with four short, stocky legs; a long, powerful tail; and a scaly hide with rows of ossified scutes running down its back and tail. They also sport a smallish dorsil crest, and a hood, much like a frilled lizard. Its snout is broad and includes a strong pair of jaws. Its eyes have nictitating membranes for protection, along with lacrimal glands, which produce tears.
The nostrils, eyes, and ears are situated on the top of its head, so the rest of the body can be concealed underwater for surprise attacks. Camouflage also helps it prey on food. This crocodile species normally crawls on its belly, but it can also "high walk". Larger specimens can charge up to nearly 16 km/h (10 mph). They can swim at as much as 32 km/h (20 mph) by moving their bodies and tails in a sinuous fashion, but they cannot sustain this speed. Juveniles under 3 pounds can "run" on water, much like the "Jesus" lizard.
Genetics and Reproduction
Litlikonsk reach sexual maturity when they are 6 to 8 feet long. Throughout most of their range, litlikonsk begin courting in March and breed in late April and early May. A female lays a single clutch of 30 to 50 eggs in a mound of vegetation, near a geothermal site, during early May to mid-June.
About 70% of the eggs survive to hatch, about 65 days after being laid. The hatchlings span from about 6 to 8 inches in length. In spite of their small stature, they are still able to cause petrification in animals many times their size.
The mother will defend the nest area as well as her offspring, including driving off other males untill the current brood is two years old. Then she will drive off her mature offspring in order to start a new brood.
Growth Rate & Stages
A Ltlikonsk grows very quickly from birth through age 5, growing an incredible one foot per year. Around year 2, the konsk becomes too large to effectily run, and begins to quickly loose mobility to gain strength and armor. Growth then slows slightly until age 10, when the litlikonsk reaches approximately 8 feet in length. However, after 10 years, a female konsk will have reached full size (9 feet), and a male litlikonsk's growth rate will slow considerably, growing less than an inch per year. For example: A male litlikonsk that is 30 years old would be close to 11 feet long, but by the time it reaches 50 years old (20 years later), it will have only grown less than two feet.
Ecology and Habitats
Litlikonsk can be found near hotsprings, or other geothermal sites with high humidity, all along the Ryopytavuori Range.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Litlikonsk are apex predators and consume fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Hatchlings feed mostly on invertebrates. They play an important role as ecosystem engineers in mountain ecosystems through the creation of konsk holes, which provide both wet and dry habitats for other organisms. Throughout the year (in particular during the breeding season), Litlikonsk bellow to declare territory, and locate suitable mates. Male Litlikonsk use infrasound to attract females. Eggs are laid in a nest of vegetation, sticks, leaves, and mud in a sheltered spot in or near the water. Young are born with yellow bands around their bodies and are protected by their mother for up to one year.
Additional Information
Domestication
While the litlikonsk can not be considered "domesticated," if handraised from an egg, they can be trained as a guard/attack animal. Naturally, this is expensive and hazardous.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Alchemical uses for many internal organs, eyes, and teeth.
Hides can be a source for leather.
Geographic Origin and Distribution
Litlikonsk can be found near hotsprings, or other geothermal sites with high humidity, all along the Ryopytavuori Range.
Perception and Sensory Capabilities
Vocalizations
Crocodilians are the most vocal of all non-avian reptiles and have a variety of different calls depending on the age, size, and sex of the animal. The Litlikonsk can perform specific vocalizations to declare territory, signal distress, threaten competitors, and locate suitable mates. Juveniles can perform a high-pitched hatchling call (a "yelping" trait common to many crocodilian species' hatchling young) to alert their mothers when they are ready to emerge from the nest. Juveniles also make a distress call to alert their mothers if they are being threatened. Adult Litlikonsk can growl, hiss, or cough to threaten others and declare territory.
Petrifying Gaze.
A true Basilisk, the Litlikonsk uses its petrifying gaze to hunt for food. Thus, one easy tell that the beast is in residence is the prevalence of very life-like statuary. They are opportunist preditors, and will eat any creature (after it is petrified) that is stupid enough to lock gazes with it. Like a squirrel, it often does not remember where it stashed a snack, so sometimes a victim can be revived years, even decades, after it has been petrified.
Litlikonsk coloring tends to be mottled browns, greys, and greens; generally blending in with its habitat.
The frill, however, is brightly colored in contrasting colors, most commonly reds, golds, or oranges. Some have reported spotting individuals with blue and purple frills, but this has yet to be confirmed.
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