Infernyx
The Infernyx are a lava dwelling dragon that can be found in the outskirts of the Yellowstone Lava Plateaus. These dragons prefer to live in isolation, and are highly territorial. Almost any creature that wanders into its territory will not make it out alive.
Basic Information
Anatomy
Infernyx are like the typical dragon. They have 4 legs, and a single pair of wings. They are large dragons, standing at 20 ft at the shoulders. From head to tail they are 45 ft long. From shoulder to shoulder they are 10ft wide. Visualy, Infernyx have a similar appearence to a crocodile's body, with the head of a Philippine sailfin lizard. Their wings are like the typical dragon wings, 3 fingers and a thumb like claw with a thick membrane streatched between each. Indernyx wing membranes are also notably thicker than most dragons wings. The topside of the wings are layered with thick overlaping scales. Infernyx also have webbed feet, with the same thick membrane as their wings.
Infernyx are strong dragons. Their legs and tails are thick and tough, so that they can swim through the thick lava. Their wings are also surprisingly muscular, even though Infernyx don't fly very often. Their wings are primarily used to swim and keep them afloat in the lava.
As they are burning dragons, Infernyx have extremely hot scales, just like the lava they lie in. They also have a special stomach-like organ for lava storage.
Morphology
Infernyx have a kind of camouflage called countershading. They have contrasting colors on opposite sides of the animal's body, depending on who views it from above or below. Infernyx are often black on their with a warm red or orange tint to their color. Underneath them, they are shades of red and orange, similar to the lava they stay in. Their underscales also have a slight glow to them.
Ecology and Habitats
Infernyx are a kind of burning dragon, so they prefer extremely hot temperatures. They mainly seek lava pools and streams. They will often float in the lava like an aligator, and wait for something to come near. Like most predators, they regulate the population of some other herbivores, or non meat eating animals.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Infernyx are carnivores, requiring meat. This usualy comes in the form of prey drakes or other smaller burning dragons, but sometimes they will prey on and attack other members of their own species. A mother Infernyx will not attack her own children, ever. Unfortunatly, children do not share the same sentiment.
Lying in the lava is required for their survival. Lava keeps their body temperature at the correct level. They sometimes also consume some of the lava, and store it in their special stomach. When threatened, they will vomit the lava up on their enemy as a defensive mechanism. The lava is also used to help create steam to give their body an extra energy boost.
Behaviour
Infernyx dragons are incredibly anti-social. They prefer to live in a territory all to themselves. They like to hunt anything that wanders into their territory. However, this is only if the creature is close enough to them. They don't like to go very far for food.
During certian times of the year, they will go out an look for a mate. After that, they return home and will attack any member of their species that comes near. Mothers will allow her children to stay in her territory a short while, after which they will leave and find their own territory. A Mother will never forget her young, so she will always spare them if they wander her way. However, if a child finds that its Mother has wandered into its territory, it will not be as kind.
So much to like here, but my favorite bit was "A mother Infernyx will not attack her own children, ever. Unfortunatly, children do not share the same sentiment." I loved how you returned to that idea at the end in order to reinforce it too. Well done!