Ventriacapillus pinthanatophilium

Ventriacapillus pinthanatophilium
Creator	oofle
Information
Status	Extant
Zones	A
Roles	Decomposer
Classification
Genus	Ventriacapillus
Species	Ventriacapillus pinthanatophilium
Evolution
Date	December 19th, 2020
Ancestor	Ventricapillus frigisomnus
Descendants	No results

5μm

As some Ventriacapillus frigisomnus were forced further north by competition with their ancestors, they entered a land of perpetual winter. But as always, there was a way to survive.

V. pinthanatophilium is like its ancestor, but darker in color to absorb more heat. It still decomposes any detritus it comes across, secreting enzymes from its "hairs" and then absorbing the nutrients.

As its name suggests, V. pinthanatophilium is in a symbiotic relationship with Pinthanatos polus, often living in its secretions. This helps stave off freezing, as the energy given off by the decomposition process helps to keep the microbe warm, and allows it to thrive through a wider range of temperatures than it would normally be able to. It is able to survive in the enzymes thanks to its cell wall and ancestral adaptations from when it once lived in the guts of muscals. The decomposition resulting from the combined efforts of both organisms results in more nutrients being released overall, making the relationship beneficial for both organisms.

They are most active through summer, entering dormancy like their ancestor during winter. Individuals living with P. polus colonies may also absorb some of the natural antifreeze produced by the Fungeran when they enter dormancy for extra insurance.

V. pinthanatophilium reproduces just like its ancestor, duplicating its whole genome then splitting in two, producing two identical daughters. It reproduces every 5 minutes as long as there is detritus for it to feed on.