Name: Barnacle Bats ( Testa vespertilio ) Description: Barnacle bats are large bat-like beings with thick, leathery shells coming in all colours and sizes; these omnivorous beasts can be quite intimidating when seen for the first time, ranging from the size and colourations of that of a pigeon to the size of a bald eagle with vibrant markings. These beasts make a basic subsistent living off of the Ilarosi fungus, using their large fangs to leech the ichor of the fungal jungles. Behavior: Barnacle Bats are rather reclusive creatures in the wild, choosing to use an adhesive secreted at the edge of their wings to form "barnacles" against a surface to hide among foliage instead of having to confront a predator. This isn't a universal fact, however, as the larger Barnacle Bats use their shells as traps as to lure prey if the fungal sap isn't enough to sustain them. In captivity, Barnacle Bats are very smart and very food-motivated. An almost universal fact is that Barnacle Bats are almost constantly active, resulting in the noise of their fluttering going deep into the night. They are also known to make "barnacles" (nests) for their eggs using a mixture of local debris from the regions they inhabit and their own secreted adhesive substance. Finally, the defensive barnacle wings are how all of these bats sleep. Tamability: Barnacle Bats were originally domesticated via their eggs being raised in captivity. Modern day, a mixture of food and bonding is used for wild individuals to adapt to sapient presence. Barnacle Bats have been recorded to learn between 50-300 commands based on species, ranging from "roll over" to "flip". They are very food-motivated and so will learn quickly with such prompts. Imagine a more docile and subservient parrot. Where is it found?: The Ilarosi Barnies are found on almost every region of Ilarose, pigeon-sized bats nesting in the alleyways with larger, bald-eagle sized Barnacle Bats making their home in the mountainous lichen growths and fungal scrapers. Rarity: Most common flying animal on Ilarose, coming in all shapes and sizes. Extremely varied like Earth's birds. Diet/Method of gaining nutrients and energy: The Barnacle Bat subsists off of an omnivorous diet, though this largely consists of the sap of large fungus that calls Ilarose home as well as any other sugar-high sap that they can reach with their teeth. If there isn't a source of sap, many bats resort to hematophagy Products?: Their wings can be used as a sort of leather. Reproduction: External fertilization of eggs placed within "barnacle" nests. These barnacles are abandoned after the female sprays pheromones on them, the male fertilising the eggs before defending them until they're about a week from hatching. Size: Ranges from 13 centimetres in length to 1 metre in length, with a wingspan ranging from 10cm to 3 metres. Weight: Varies based on the size of the animal. Generally, it's concordant to a bird of similar size. Lifespan: The Barnacle Bat survives for about twenty years in the wild and about thirty years in captivity for the largest. The smallest barnacle bats' lifespan is about five years. Abilities: - Strong adhesive from glands on edges of wings and in the roof of the mouth. - Glands upon the frenulum are designed to nullify adhesive, as to let go of surfaces they are connected to and to deconstruct nest if need be. - Strong jaws that can bite down into a surface and lock. - Leathery shells can prevent attacks to a degree Flaws: - Extremely high metabolism due to active nature and constantly flying - Not many ways to fight back against predators outside of their locking jaw and leathery backs. - If dietary needs aren't met, the solvent needed to undo the adhesive isn't produced in large enough quantities to "unglue" themselves. This results in the barnacle bat having to be rescued, tearing its wings via struggling, or starving to death glued to the surface - If one holds their jaw shut after they bite down, they're not undoing it. -One hole in their wings and they're grounded. This is a death sentence. Other: Though these are creatures native to Ilarose, they're on the nexus for those who wish to procure exotic pets. It's notable that Barnacle Bats are very high maintenance pets due to their dietary needs.
