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Quaerens linguam

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Description

A predatory species that has evolved on a planet with perpetual mist. The mist on this planet is often so thick it's hard to see very far. Species use other senses such as scent and electro magnetism to detect others. But bioluminescence is often used to commutate and attract attention with what little ocular abilities remain.

Quaerens linguam ('seeking tongue' see fig 1) uses its eyes to locate the unique bioluminescent of Occultus linguam (hidden tongue) it preferred prey as it hides among vegetation. Quaerens linguam creeps up to its chosen prey and uses its long tongue to reach out to its preys hiding spot. Its tongue is abnormally long, while the species is the size of a large housecat, it's tongue is three times its size length (incidentally; it's prey of Occultus linguam being the size of a rabbit at its biggest). However this long tongue can be retracted into its pouch that's located just below its mouth and continues under its legs (see fig 2).  However when it has caught its prey, it cannot retract its tongue, leaving it exposed. When the tongue is retracted it has an additional effect that it makes the overall face of Quaerens linguam look more threatening to potential rivals or predators (see fig.3).

Its tongue is remarkable, used to probe the area where its prey hides in order to lure it out of its den. The prey (Occultus linguam) will charge out of its burrow and grab Quaerens linguam's tongue thinking it is its prey; however it'll be grabbed by Quaerens linguam.

The tongue contains two tentacles either side that act to feel around as well as grab its prey with its spiky suckers.  The end of the tongue has a miniature functioning jaws that not only add to the illusion of a face but also act to grab they prey (see fig 4.). Amazingly the end of the tongue also looks like Occultus linguam's common prey to add to the illusion (see fig 5.).

Quaerens linguam's overall pink colour helps it camouflage itself in the reddish vegetation of the surrounding environment. It also had bioluminescence on its body for communication, something often found in species of this planet.

This was done for this here:
world-craft.deviantart.com/jou…

You can see Occultus linguam here:
acidshadow.deviantart.com/art/…


I look forward to doing more!

Image belongs to me, do not copy, alter or redistribute.

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© 2014 - 2024 acidshadow
Comments3
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BlackAeronaut's avatar
You do some of the creepiest looking predators.  Gonna have to keep you in mind if I need some horrific monstrosity.  ;)