Desert Strider

Also known as Death Striders, these creatures are a towering beast of shell and pincer, that scour the deserts of Avium in search of prey along the outskirts of civilization. When prey is not found, the weaker of their kind is picked off, creating an apex predator.

Basic Information

Anatomy

Desert Striders are carnivorous creatures with small bodies, four legs, and two pincer claws, covered in heavy sand colored chitin armor that is translucent when held up to light. Their legs bend in two places allowing more flexibly mobility and tighter crouches into the hot Avium sands. Their scorpion like tails, can be moved to hang above their heads(adding 5ft to their height) or rest below, protecting their bellies. The females have multiple smaller appendages that create a basket nest when raising young.

Genetics and Reproduction

When a male Desert Strider wishes to mate, he will create a nesting fortress, featuring his molted exoskeleton pieces that will lead females back to him. If the females decides that the exoskeleton pieces are substantial and the fortress is safe enough, they will do their thing. Afterwards, the female Strider will run the male out of his fortress and take it as her nesting grounds. Gestation lasts five and a half to six months, with the young Desert Striders being born live.

Growth Rate & Stages

After birth, the female will transfer her young to her underbelly, where they will grow outside of the harmful rays of Avium sunlight. Once the first of the desert striders has shed, usually three weeks after birth, they will scatter from their nest. The mother Desert strider will begin to eat the molted shells of her young. Many times this includes her indulging in the young that were not quick enough to molt and leave the nest. The young desert striders often fall prey to starving adults, weakening their numbers but leaving the strongest to survive and mate again.

Ecology and Habitats

The deserts of Avium, however harsh, create the perfect environment for Death Striders. Their ability to hunt in the dark allows them to avoid the blinding sun and find the most active prey. Most of it's species can be found on the outskirts of civilization causing havoc where ever they are found.

Dietary Needs and Habits

Desert Striders hunt larger prey, humans, stray livestock, and their own kind if pushed. They do not store their food, preferring to eat it all in one event.

Biological Cycle

The deserts of Avium have a wet season and dry season. In the dry seasons, Desert Striders are found together, burrowing closer to the main rivers and picking off any life that venture to close to their colonies. During the wet season, Desert Striders are more territorial and find solidarity within their lands. A key feature in finding Desert Striders is their huge pieces of exoskeletons left after their yearly molting. Each piece is kept and used for future mating proposals. The larger the sections, the more prowess.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Desert Striders have a thick chiton exoskeleton that can be easily transformed into armor or shields. Other than that, these vicious creatures have little to offer.

Perception and Sensory Capabilities

These nocturnal creatures have infrared sight but have trouble seeing in the bright Avium sun. They have no sense of smell or hearing, relaying solely on the vibrations they feel in the sand using the smalls hairs on their chiton shells.

Scientific Name

Desert Strider

Lifespan

18yrs

Conservation Status

These creatures are seen as a menace to society and any who bring back one of their heads is held in high regard in the country of Avium.

Average Height

10ft-15ft

Geographic Distribution

• Avium