Taxono-Crawler Helix
With Viciousfruit (Fructohelix malificus) being a threat in Zone 5, a population of Common Floor-Crawler Helix (Uittalix solureperous) responded to these predation pressures by climbing Laminaralga species. The ancestors of the Taxono-Crawler Helix (Uittalix taxonorepos) adapted for this lifestyle.
total length: 20 centimeters long
shell diameter: 5 centimeters
Originated in Zone 5
To maintain a firm grip on the taxonophytes, the ancestors of the Taxono-Crawler Helix developed raised bumps in the skin which became longer and grew calcium carbonate coverings. These let the Uittalid remain attached to the polyph until the tentacle is lifted up. With the spines being better for climbing and quickly releasing the tentacles lost their stickiness. The Taxono-Crawler Helix graves on taxonophyte with their radula. Their sense of taste and touch is less useful for detecting danger on taxonophytes since their most threats swim rather than crawl. This led to them developing two patches of light-sensitive skin cells on each of their four tentacles.
If a taxonophyte becomes overcrowded with Taxono-Crawler Helixes this triggers individuals to leave, who release their grip from the taxonophyte open their limbs to their maximum extent using large membranes connected to all four tentacles, acting as a parachute that slows their descent. Taxono-Crawler Helixes will beat their limbs down to gain height. Giving the Taxono-Crawler Helix a way to avoid crawling onto the seafloor where predators such as Viciousfruit dwell. If they get detect fast motion like a predator attacking they will let go of the taxonophyte and propel themselves away. This behavior often results in multiple Taxono-Crawler Helixes propelling themselves at once, detecting the motion of other Taxono-Crawler Helixes causing them to flee as well.
The Taxono-Crawler Helix are hermaphrodites, being capable of reproducing sexually or asexually. Eggs are laid in clutches from twelve to twenty-four (12-24) and are held in the shell, usually taking around one week (1 wk) for the helids to develop enough to emerge from their eggs and live independently. Young Taxono-Crawler Helixes typically achieve maturity within four weeks (4 wks) of age, often staying on the taxonophyte they hatched on until they need to move.
