Pitchfork Mudbug
This sukopod evolved from rogue eggs of M. Segmanemtug, drifting into the full salt waters of Zone 4. The high salt (This is a normally brackish water species) resulted in some interesting mutations, one of which survived. The main mutation was that the left claw was formed on both sides, created a fused “twin claw”. This double digit claw proved to be effective. Two opening dactylus allows this animal grab larger objects. The Pitchfork sukopod is a burrower. It digs burrows using its twin dactylus claw to move large objects underground and it’s smaller claw to shovel into the substrate. It’s uropods have fused into a shovel like object. This allows it to quickly dig burrows backwards, as it will tail flick into the substrate, quickly digging itself into the sand to escape predators. This sukopod grows up to 5 inches head to tail. While this sukopod is a Detrivore and scavenger it gains most of its food with a unique skill-Kleptoparasitism. The large twin claw allows it to grip large chunks and bodies larger than it’s itself, and quickly burrowing away with its shovel tail. The Pitchfork Sukopod will find victims, including Testudius sp. and Eels feeding, where it will stretch its tail backwards, showing off two eyespots designed to scare away its victim. If this does not work, it will use its large claws and attempt to fight its victim until it can grab hold of the meal and escape into the ground, where it will feed. Identifying features are: reduced spines on the rear two legs, 3-2-3-3 pattern of spines over the top of the big claw, and a post orbital ridge that goes past the ventral spine under the eye.