Helix

Helix
Information
Status	Extant
Common Ancestor	Helix quattuorus
Members	No results
Classification
Family	Helidae
Genus	Helix

Helix is a genus of four-footed aquatic and terrestrial Helids. Helix is one of the earliest genera in Oefsy, existing since Genesis.

History

The Helix genus has existed since Genesis. The earliest (and now extinct) Helix species, Helix quattuorus, lived in the shallow pools of Zone 12, where it fed on the seeds of Plortatus forensus that happened to fall into the water.

External features

Helix grallaeus features particularly prominent claws.

Helix species feature four tentacle-like feet. The feet are soft and fleshy in most species, but some feature claws extending the tips that they use for climbing.

Their soft bodies are protected by a calcium carbonate shell. The shell is normally spiraled, although some species previously assigned to this genus (such as Asperohelix Meteora) feature more rounded shells with no visible spiral. It generally has a diameter between 2-4 inches, and is soft for the first few days after birth before solidifying.

Some species have numerous, thin, orange tongues that they extend from their shells to help them locate food. Taste is the primary sense of all Helix species and drives the majority of their decision-making, as they have no sense of sight, taste, or smell.

Reproduction

Helix species produce eggs that are stored in the shells, near the opening. Each clutch contains 1-2 dozen eggs.

They are hermaphrodites capable of both sexual and asexual reproduction. Sperm is released into the water, which fertilizes the both one's own eggs the eggs of nearby Helix. In the case of terrestrial Helix species, sperm is simply released from the shell where it can come into contact with nearby others. Sexual reproduction on land is less efficient for this reason, and as a result, terrestrial Helix generally fertilize their own eggs.

Ecology

A group of Helix pessulus clustering on a Plortatus forensus vine.

Helix species generally prefer moist environments such as Zone F, but have started to become better-adapted over time to living land. Helix caudex, for example, uses specialized structures in its shell to help it take moisture from the air.

Some Helix species will consume detritus, but primarily feed upon the seeds of Plortatus forensus descendants, such as Plortatus ipsumsemenous.

Aquatic species historically relied on seeds falling into the water prior to the existence of Plortatus seaflorensus. Terrestrial species are able to walk on land to find food for themselves.

Driven by their sense of taste, Helix species tend to congregate closely together in the same areas. Species like Helix pessulus rely on this behavior to help them retain moisture, as well as spread the Odontotria laspimorphus and Odontotria luteiericius growing on their shells, which also helps to hold in moisture.