Laelaps (lay-laps)

Laelaps are carnivorous theropod dinosaurs native to and only found in Pellucidar. It was discovered by Professor Morrison Westernraugh in 1925 during his expedition into the Amazon Rainforest. They are incredibly dangerous pack hunters.

Basic Information

Anatomy

They are bipedal, scaly beasts with lots of bumps and knobs to protect them. Their legs are incredibly muscular, and their multiple fingers help with grappling and clawing at prey.

Genetics and Reproduction

Like all reptiles, they reproduce by laying eggs. Laelaps dig nests very much like varanids and obscure them with foliage in the dirt. They lay tons of eggs, and hatchlings grow rather quickly.

Dietary Needs and Habits

They are carnivores that specialize in ambush tactics, often leaping upon their opponents from afar with incredible jump strength.

Behaviour

Often, they are seen sparring rather playfully with one another, doing mock pounces. Very rarely is there ever bloody conflict between the species.

Additional Information

Social Structure

Laelaps tend to live in packs similar to jackals, either scavenging prey or swarming it to take it down. It is described as a swarm of scaly locusts in action.

Civilization and Culture

History

Though they fill the biological niche and behavior role of dromaeosaurs, Laelaps is actually a descendent of the Tyrannosaurus. Like all of Pellucidar's saurian inhabitants, the progenitors were taken from the surface world by the Elder Things and added into the simulated environment, evolving and adapting over time to their new home.

Gallery

Laelaps.jpg

A pair of Laelaps mock spar. Painted by Professor Westernraugh.

Scientific Name

Laelaps aquilunguis

Conservation Status

Rare

Geographic Distribution

• Pellucidar