Red Ringed Tapsi
Descended from Junctopinna ignicornus
Zone D
75 cm (head to tail) 110 cm (primary wingspan)
Adaptations: The Red Ringed Tapsi has developed a fang that began as a single bone tooth covered in a keratin like structure to reinforce it that was used to assist in grappling prey. This was favored as it resulted in a higher success rate in catching prey. The fang is covered in the keratin-like sheath in order to prevent it from drying out, and it developed from hardened skin that was previously very close to the fang when it was just a bump in the jaw. When prey is swallowed, the fang digs into its flesh if they attempt to struggle out, preventing it from escaping. It is also worth noting that Junctopinna rubanulus has grown in size, allowing it to eat larger things and be less crippled by a large meal. Their patterns have also changed to make it easier to recognize other members of their species, so they don't go in on the mating displays of their ancestors or related species, this is selected for because, by definition, a species cant produce viable offspring with another species. Therefore those attracted to different patterns have a higher success rate in mating and passing on their genes.
Feeding: Junctopinna rubanulus has a diet very similar to that of its ancestor, feeding on many smaller organisms in Zone D. Such as B. purpla, C. caeruleum, C. equinoxum, C. flumum, I. arbora, F. distringia, K. killiskippus, O. flectopesus, I. allium, R. subaquatica, S. opposa, T. purpa, T. takydromus, V. cuniculum, A. soarus, V. noctus, J. ovicomus, as well as smaller individuals of J. harpiesis, D. brunus, D. purpurus, P. vorax, T. jumpus, and J. ignicornus, as well as a variety of eggs and hatchlings.
Reproduction: The Red Ringed Tapsi reproduces in a similar manner to its ancestors. Males woo females with brightly colored stripes, stabilizing fins, wings, and song. Fertilization takes place internally, and females lay their clutch of 8-10 leathery purple camouflaged eggs in tree tops. 5, of which, on average, reach adulthood. Only about 1/2 survive because, assuming they don't fall out of a tree and die or get eaten as an egg, young are eaten by a vast array of predators.
