Ooh Dark Needleworm
The Leaf-Eating Dark Needleworm (Acutospathulus foliovenator) populations adapted to consume polyph leaves leading to Acutospathulus insidiabanturii.
The needle of A. insidiabanturii has broadened and straightened with the bottom tapering farther out than the top to provide better lift for scooping up leaves. It tilts its head down to scoop up leaves into its needle and then tilts its head up so the leaves fall into its mouth.
A. insidiabanturii digests these leaves with its muscular gizzard in the middle of the stomach that contracts to crush the leaves. A. insidiabanturii will also occasionally swallow rocks no larger than its throat to aid in crushing the leaves. Stones too large to pass the gizzards are held in the first half of the stomach, while smaller stones pass the gizzard and grind up leaves on the other side of the stomach.
A. insidiabanturii grows approximately fourty centimeters (40 cm) in length. It maintains its temperature by moving to create friction and by using its dark pigment to capture light. The claspers of the A. insidiabanturii are wider to better support its weight for more efficient locomotion. It sleeps in three hour (3 hr) shifts.
A. insidiabanturii goes dormant during the winter. It expels water out of its cells, slows down its metabolism, and goes dormant to prevent ice crystals from forming inside, which can lyse its cells. When the weather warms back up, it reabsorbs the lost water from the melting snow.
A. insidiabanturii takes ten weeks (10 wks) to mature after hatching. It attempts to mate with other members of its species during the summer, both male and female. Female A. insidiabanturii will lay around fifteen (15) eggs after they are fertilized and they refill their egg stocks once a month (1 mon).