Into Dust (ID: zXE48b)

Grouping: Reptilian, Avian

A sister species to the Vitrevern and shockingly aggressive for its size, the Razorshriek is a tiny dragon and an avid predator. Known to use their relatively massive bottom fangs to skewer prey and deal surprisingly deep puncture wounds to the hands of field researchers, these creatures are similar in their gregarious behavior to Vitreverns and gather in massive swarms which can actively threaten larger predators. Named for their foul demeanour and piercing flock calls, Razorshrieks are common in arid areas of the planet, but until recently it had been difficult to find nests, due to the species tendency to lay eggs in small crevices only they can fit through.

Adorned in an intricate pattern of vibrant colors, the wings of a Razorshriek serve a dual purpose: one, for both sexes to attract equally-colorful mates, and two, to confuse predators attempting to pick one dragon out of a swarm. With their barb-tipped tails also sporting these dazzling colors, a predator which tries to attack a swarm may find itself stung and bitten countless times when it thought it was going for the relatively-unprotected belly of a Razorshriek, making these diminutive predators far more trouble than it's worth to hunt them. Though most wild Razorshrieks are a striking black and white with the only color in their violet markings, it isn't uncommon to see wild adults come in other color variants, which tend to be more vividly colorful; however, the sheer contrast of their standard color scheme seems to help survival by soaking up heat, providing countershading, and making it nearly impossible to stare directly at an active swarm for long periods of time.

Artwork: Keileon