Stegodorsus erectus

Stegodorsus erectus
Creator	TSCN2003
Information
Status	Extant
Zones	C
Roles	Base-Consumer
Classification
Genus	Stegodorsus
Species	Stegodorsus erectus
Evolution
Date	June 23rd, 2021
Ancestor	Sundiraoa gripus
Descendants	Shadow Aliodrake

Sundiraoa gripus faced significant pressure from all angles, with competition from Dracwhulus spp. along with dwindling prey. Driven away from the coasts of Zone C, they found a new niche for themselves further inland, shifting toward a more herbivorous diet.

Sundiraoa erectus has a diet composed primarily of seeds and fruit it forages from the various polyphs of Zone C. Using its claws, it can extract food from the soil and pry open tough shells. Its diet is similar to that of its distant ancestor, Alionadraco major, but with a stronger emphasis on polyph-based food sources. In a pinch, it is still willing to scavenge for carrion or eggs.

Vulnerable to predators, particularly when young, it has developed more powerful and muscular back legs to help dash away from would-be predators, aided by its green coloration to help it blend amongst the polyphs it feeds on. Its theropod-like hip allows it to remain balanced for long periods of time. Its agility helps it hold its own against other fruit-eating muscals in the zone. When resting, they will often burrow underneath tree stumps.

During spring and summer, males become more territorial and may scuffle with competing males in pursuit of a mate, who is ultimately selected by the female. The female will dig out a nest of dirt and mud while the male gathers food, which he will do over the course of about 3 months during the gestation period. The female will then lay her eggs and roost over them. Upon hatching, the young will initially depend on the mother for food, but will eventually leave the nest and for themselves.