Matchstrike (ID: 5N9O)

Grouping: Reptilian, Mammalian

The Dontorex is a frightful, chimeric therapsid and an aggressive predator. A known maneater, it is one of many reasons why exploration of Crop Circle Canyon was delayed. Dontorexes are highly solitary, coming together only to mate and then going their separate ways; a non-mating encounter between two adults is a violent affair. The gaping jaws on their tails allow them to swallow prey much larger than they would normally seem to be able to; much like a snake's, these jaws can unhinge to accommodate for wider animals. Though large prey can make a Dontorex's stomach distended, the acid found in their digestive tract dissolves everything in mere hours. It typically swallows its prey alive and whole.

Though the creature's head is smaller than its tail, a Dontorex will drink and eat smaller prey with the mouth found on its head. This predator has keen eyesight and sense of smell, and its short crest hides its ears from view. Scales cover its back and about a third of its tail, but the rest of the animal is covered in short fur. Its tail-mouth has incredible bite strength but little ability to pierce or tear; the eight "teeth" it has are in fact adapted scales to hold struggling prey in place. The strength of these jaws can cut off both airflow and circulation, causing the prey to pass out so that the Dontorex can swallow it more easily.

Artwork: Keileon

Caveat's mate.