#bought the hatchling this morning. his tert is fuck

[flygefisk]

my lil guys & the way i'm choosing to interpret them

antlers would not be conducive to a subterranean lifestyle, so i'm interpreting them as branched antennae/sensory organs. dusthides with the antlers gene are often nestkeepers- the thicker fur helps to keep eggs and young hatchlings warm in the cool underground, while the 'antlers' allow them to detect small changes indicating dangers or distressed hatchlings.

their bodies are closer to armor-plated badgers or weasels (depending on the individual) than armadillos, but armadillo-like ears help them detect the slightest sound or vibration from the surface above. some individuals have larger or smaller dewclaws, some even appearing to have only the large digging claws. they use these claws for breaking into termite mounds and anthills.

their wings are strong, but too small and their bodies too dense to fly- their wings are more often used to scrape dirt from the sides of tunnels. their tails are flat and somewhat curved, used to scoop out piles or dirt or pack it tightly to strengthen walls or smooth out floors.