Swampstrainer

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Swampstrainer
(Koskinorhynchus myrstringere)
Artwork of Swampstrainer
Species is extinct.
19/127, Cellulosebane Crystal
Creator Somarinoa Other
Taxonomy
Domain
Kingdom
Phylum
Class
Order
Family
Genus
Species
Eukaryota
Mancerxa
Chloropodia
Pterophylla
Leptorhyncha
Aerosifteridae
Koskinorhynchus
Koskinorhynchus myrstringere
Week/Generation 18/118
Habitat Slarti Swamp
Size 36 cm Long
Primary Mobility Unknown
Support Endoskeleton (Jointed Wood)
Diet Filter-Feeding Planktonivore, Photosynthesis
Respiration Active (Lungs)
Thermoregulation Heterotherm (Basking, Muscle-Generated Heat)
Reproduction Sexual, Two Sexes: Live Birth
Descendant of Ancestor of


The swampstrainers split from their ancestors, the nightstrainers, when a sudden earthquake collapsed the entrance to the Rabid Sandstone Caves while they were out feeding along the Slarti River. This event forced them to become homeless instantaneously, and when desperate attempts to return to their nests failed miserably, they had no choice but to move on with their existence alone.

Oddly, they outlived their caved-in brethren, and eventually adapted far enough along to be considered a separate species entirely. The swampstrainers moved down river from their old feeding grounds along the Slarti River coast, eventually moving down into the Slarti Swamp, although the remnants of their ancestors (still the same species as the migrants at this time) remained along the Slarti River, and continued to exist separated from the rest. Here their legs grew longer for wading through the wetlands unhindered while their straining beaks did the same, causing their wings to also increase in size to continue to allow flight.

With a lack of awkward cavern walls to build their nests on, they now lap their amazing saliva onto the Binucleus Hollow Crystal or the Crystarbor, preferring the taller variety, where their young are less likely to be preyed upon. Males have grown a wonderful crest with which they use to challenge other males to their territories - in this contest, it is the larger, more healthy crest that wins the day and therefore the right to build nests on the tallest of the flora they choose to inhabit. To differentiate themselves from their ancestors, they have long, mournful, wailing calls, produced through the posterior ventilation shaft. Their eyes now allow them to spot potential predators during the night, and act accordingly, while continuing to provide ample sight during daylight hours.

Living Relatives (click to show/hide)

These are randomly selected, and organized from lowest to highest shared taxon. (This may correspond to similarity more than actual relation)
  • Amblister Bandersnatch (order Leptorhyncha)
  • Needlewing (class Pterophylla)