Lyrm (leerm)

A small amphibian creature with a large appetite, its twelve legs can stick to almost any surface, making it a very efficient climber. If the lyrm is threatened it has two defence mechanisms: making a really loud, high-pitched noise, and secreting a foamy substance from pores in its skin, this foam tastes disgusting for potential predators and can be toxic if too much of it is consumed. This foam however seems to have strange healing qualities when applied to wounds and can seemingly neutralize other toxins.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Lyrms have long, segmented bodies. Each segment has a pair of limbs, with 12 limbs in total, the first 3 pairs have joints similar to arms, while the last 3 pairs have joints similar to legs. Each limb is short and stubby with three clawless toes.
Their faces are round with a short muzzle but a wide mouth. The eyes are small and have a wide space between them. Lyrms have very long tongues that can stretch almost as long as the rest of the body.
The tail is the longest segment of the body and shares a similar rounded shape as the head, making it difficult to tell which end is which.
Lyrms are typically pink or purple with a beige underbelly and dark stripes and splotches along the spine.
Lyrms have two hearts in order to pump blood into all of its legs.

Genetics and Reproduction

While lyrms are usually solitary, they will meet up during their mating period once a year. Females can lay hundrends of eggs per year, which she lays in ponds or lakes. Lyrms do not take care of their eggs or young, so only a few make it to adulthood.

Growth Rate & Stages

After hatching, the larva is fully aquatic and have long gills on the sides of their head. As the weeks go by they slowly gain legs and loose their gills as they transition to a terrestial lifestyle. As adults they spend most of their time in trees, but stay near areas with water.

Ecology and Habitats

Lyrms like warm and humid areas with dense vegetation and a source of water, because while they are mostly terrestial, even arboreal as adults, their skin in sensetive to drought and must be soaked daily. Adult lyrms will sometimes roll around in morning dew to keep their skin moist.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Lyrms are omnivourus and will eat anything that can fit into their mouth. Fruits, berries and insects are their most common food sources.

Biological Cycle

Lyrms do poorly in cold weather, so during the colder months of the year they dig themself into the ground and enter hibernation.

Behaviour

Lyrms are surprisingly calm and friendly creatures, despite being prey-animals.

Additional Information

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

Lyrms have poor vision but a good sense of smell, and while they lack external ears they can pick up on the slightest of vibrations both in the air and in the ground.

Name Origin & Meaning

The name "lyrm" comes from the varan words "lyri"=screaming/screeching , and "mi"=unknown.

Lifespan

3 - 5 years

Average Weight

200 - 400 g

Average Length

20 - 30 cm

Geographic Distribution

• Kuali swamp
• The sanctuary

Terminology

• A male lyrm is called a male.
• A female lyrm is called a female.
• A juvenile lyrm is called a larva.
• A group of lyrms is called a patter.
• The plural of lyrm is lyrms.