Quilaxa

Quilaxa are large, desert-faring rodents that look like a cross between a porcupine and an opposum. They're nocturnal hunters who often work in pairs. Their quills are capable of forming a shell-like structure when they're threatened.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Quilaxa are large, four-legged rodents with round heads and stout bodies. They have small eyes and short, round ears. Their bodies are covered in sharp, silvery quills, save for their prehensile tails. Their tails and muzzles are absent of fur, ranging from a pale pink in color to a light, golden brown. Young quilaxa have softer spines that harden with age. They have large claws mainly used for digging and burrowing. Due to their short legs and stumpy bodies, quilaxa are slow-moving creatures. When threatened, their quills lock into a shell-like formation and to protect their undersides, they roll into a ball.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Quilaxa are mostly carnivorous. They feed on smaller animals and reptiles, such as desert mice and geckos. Instead of stalking and chasing their prey, they use their tremorsense to find burrows. They then dig through the sand, destroying the burrows, and any exits for their prey. They've been known to feed on carrion when no other options are available. Quilaxa do have an affinity for poisonous plants, which they can digest due to their hearty digestive system. The plants give them a temporary high, much like catnip does for felines. Unfortunately, quilaxa tend to indulge in said plants too much, which leads to sickness or unconsciousness.

Behaviour

Quilaxa are nocturnal hunters and seldom seen during daylight hours. During the day, they burrow themselves in mounds of sand in order to stay cool. While they're curious, they're also easily startled. If they're unable to enter their defensive posture, they'll resort to biting and scratching whatever is threatening them. Quilaxa are poor climbers and prefer to remain at ground level. They live in small groups with anywhere between three to five other quilaxa. When they sense bad weather approaching, they take shelter in rocky outcroppings and caverns.
Quilaxa communicate with others of their kind through chirping, growling, and whining. They often hunt in pairs and share their catches with the rest of their group. They aren't actively hostile, but they don't have any interest in interacting with people. Despite their defenses, quilaxa are prey to larger predators such as coyotes, jackals, bobcats, and large weasels.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

They have poor eyesight and are extremely sensitive to sunlight. Their sense of smell is good enough to get by, but their greatest ability is their tremorsense. They detect vibrations through the ground, alerting them to potential dangers or prey.

Scientific Name

Rodentia Caviomorpha Argentispina

Lifespan

15 years

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Average Weight

35 lbs