Diving Tapsi
As populations of Chromaptera heteropteryx settled into zone C1, competition over the polyph Scrutitatus lamabratus caused a change in diet to be selected for. The only food sources available were located underwater. This caused the development of a new species.
50-65 cm long
Originated in zones C and C1
While the Diving Tapsi still feeds on the leaves and nectar of Scrutitatus lamabratus, competition meant they more often feed on aquatic Taxonophytes and Moxipods. As they dive they tuck in their fore wings to reduce surface area on contact; after which they keep them tucked in while using their reduced hind wings as rudimentary paddles to swim about. Once they snatch a tasty morsel, usually by diving directly above the target and snatching it before it can get away, they will unfurl their fore wings and launch themselves out of the water before flying to a perch to eat their catch.
Their main predator is the Crested Tapsi, Venovola tingualus, the Diving Tapsis will instinctively dive into the water to avoid a pursuing Crested Tapsi, which cannot swim.
Exiting the water is a challenge for a tapsi, with multiples steps for the Diving Tapsi to get airborne. First the Diving Tapsi will lift up their fore wings while pushing down with their hind wings, then they slam the fore wings down which lifts the body out of the water while they simultaneous raise up their hind wings. Next they lift back up their forewings, slamming the hind wings into the water to help them keep their torso elevated beyond the water line. Finally, the Diving Tapsi will flap their forewings, generating enough lift to get the muscal fully airborne.
Diving Tapsis are sexually dimorphic, with the males having bright orange, blue and green colors compared to the females that only have greens with both having distinctive eye patterns. As it inherits an ancestral ability to hear and vocalize, it locates potential mates with a high-pitched mating call. After mating the female will lay soft-shelled eggs in nests up in the trees, specifically Scrutitatus lamabratus.
