#RAHHHH ive been sooo normal about this lately

[pastel-pineappl-art]

Ok so I have been sooooo normal lately /j

I've actually been so silly, I have an original species that I've been messing around with since high school, with only one character that I've drawn of it up until now and I want to be able to make a little ref sheet for people to be able to make their own versions!!

The actual sheet isn't done yet but I thought I'd share the brainstorming I've made :) and I will also include a vote for the species name bc I am so lost there, more info will be under the cut this is gonna be long.

Felis aspid

(Feline family, aspid with ancient Greek roots meaning venemous)

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The example of the skeletal structure is my own boy, Chester. The skeleton is very feline-like closest to a domestic cat, the only difference being that extra pair of legs with the semi-fused shoulder blades.

Those upper legs, or "Pedipalps," have a lower range of movement than the front legs, making them useless for movement but very good for carrying things. Kits are carried by the scruff, but other items like some types of prey and supplies for building nests in the wild are carried using these legs. Domesticated ones may use them to carry around their toys if preferred.

These Pedipalps are also very powerful and useful for digging out dens in the wild. They will find a suitable area and dig a fully underground home for their pack, always living in groups of 3 or 4.

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These creatures have Antennae closest compared to a moth. The antennae are used for scenting the area as their sense of smell in the nose is not that strong, this combined with the "Jacobson's Organ" still gives them a pretty good idea of the smells in the area, though not in the same way a Feline or Canine may detect those smells.

The tip of the tail is made of the same kind of fur/feathering as the antennae, while thought that it coupe also be used for "scenting" it is mostly used as a sensory organ to keep better track of surroundings as they don't have a good sense of hearing. The different shapes also seem to be used for easier communication and signaling between their pack, family, or even strangers encountered nearby.

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The single eye in the center is very interesting. It is not the only eye they have. There are six more eyes placed in groups of three on either side of their large eye.

The center eye helps them see in much more detail, maybe being able to see or capture movement that would be lost to other species. While those other eyes help hone in on what they're hunting, making the creature more aware of their surroundings, usually these eyes are closed when the animal is relaxed as they have no need for it unless in a higher stress situation. This same behavior can be observed in those domesticated during play.

The eye is also interesting because it is a form of sexual dimorpism (while not always, is the case for 90% of the population). The males tend to form a much more interesting shape of pupil as they grow older, like a star or heart shape, that don't seem to naturally occur. While the females have more "boring" shapes that you may be able to find in other species of animal, like simple circles or squares. This has no effect on their sight.

The more interesting a pupil shape is to a female, the more interested she is in that male

Another fun fact about the eye is that Kits will have blue eyes for a few weeks after being born just like kittens do, they eventually grow into their adult color which, if you know what you are doing can be found out before that point. The color of the eye is completely dependent on the color of their blood and organs, like birds of paradise, this is their dash of color to attract mates.

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Their hunting style is very comparable to a regular feline. They will stalk their prey before jumping out and killing it. The key difference is that unlike most felines, they do not have retractable claws, only having small points that barely do damage to another, relying entirely on their fangs and venom.

Yes! These guys are venemous! Not any large amount like their name might imply, but enough to paralyze, at most, an animal the size of small rabbit completely. While taking on bigger prey is an issue for one, when hunting in a pack, they can easily take down something much bigger with the combined use of paralyzing venom.

The usual prey they hunt individually. However, are small animals like mice, birds, shrews, and in some places, large insects like tarantulas. Because their mouths are not built for chewing, they will use their fangs to suck the blood out of their prey, like a spider eats bugs or a vampire bat.

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Most wild examples live in colder climates, resulting in a much thicker fur and in a lighter color for camouflage, but there are examples of them living in warmer climates, with both a thinner fur type and completely different, and usually darker, coloring. Domesticated animals can come at almost any shape and form now.

Here is an example of a small domesticated family.

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The kit has coloring and most features from her father, but it looks like she will have her mother's blood coloring.

Her pupil is still fully black while the color and shape develops.

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The mother is closest compared to a domestic tabby cat with coloring. You'll notice her pupil shape is a square.

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The father is mostly black with faint tabby markings as well. His pupil has developed into a heart shape.

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ANYWAYS that's all I got on these guys rn, if you wanna make your own based off information I have written here please tag me!! I would love to see them get more love :)

And here it is, the final poll