Camp Camel Cove!
The Orangufanged Centipede
http://i.imgur.com/5DWnvM5.png
Scientific Name: Scolopendra orangumooria
Length (cm): 12
Uses: Its venom is used by locals as an alternative and primitive anaesthetic, and it's been praised for ridding villages of other parasites like wasps, ticks and fleas.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened (NT)
Snakes and centipedes have been enemies for many centuries. Both prey on the other, despite the dangers of each other’s venom and temperament. Snakes however are slightly more limited in what they can do to defend themselves than centipedes; with no sight and no legs (although, they can move very quickly,) they can sometimes find themselves out maneuvered by the centipedes. Centipedes, whilst having strong fangs and a powerful venom, haven’t got the snake’s primal instincts when it comes to striking prey. They use their antennas to detect prey, whilst charging about like a multi-legged express train. And then the centipede began to evolve...and a certain species was born that is more than a match for it’s arch-enemy: The OranguFanged Centipede.
A species that lives exclusively in the Australian Jungle - necessary because of its cold-blooded nature requiring an incredibly humid climate - fanged centipedes have adapted their bodies to be more like the snakes. With multiple orange legs sticking out of the side of their bodies, they have fattened up and have become more like a snake. A forked tongue protrudes from their mouth, adapting the snake’s skill for tasting the air around it to hunt it’s prey: snakes. And at the top of their mouth, two huge venomous fangs which come out when the centipede strikes.
There are different sizes and species of the Fanged centipede – and they vary in terms of how venomous they are. On the rear end of the centipede is a large dot. While most aren’t very dangerous to humans, there are some species that have the dot coloured in a bright red. These are the most venomous and aggressive species. They fear nothing and will explore any area they come across in the hunt for their prey – including beds, hammocks and dunnies. If they feel threatened, they will strike incessantly until they feel the threat has either been disposed of or scared off.
The localised orangufanged variety differs from the original genus in that it secretes a venom known as 'truthtea' to warn off prey, which it stores in a duct in the lower half of its abdomen. Victims of the venom have been known to display symptoms such as paralysis, diarrhoea and occasional wailings of 'LMAOOOOOOOOOO DEAD'.
Although rarer than the fanged centipede, its preserved status in the Australian jungle has made it something of a local legend and mascot.
Natives have remarked that the unique markings on the orangufanged centipede's head bear a striking resemblance to a monkey, although others are sceptical. Not all reports of its nature are pleasant though, as it has been known to be likely to drag ha prey through the mud to its primitive lair, where it will force-feed it VH1 reality show gifs until it gives in and agrees to be eaten. It also attracts the opposite sex through a strange rhythmical motion known as a 'bop' before devouring them too.
MY COMMENT: Really liked this, very comical and very well thought out. I was glad RobInnes wanted to sort something out so he could help you out, and he proved that his input was beneficial. Shaun, was very impressed with you also bringing a comical input to RobInnes ground work and making the fact file thing, it was very detailed and very impressive! MB and Lucky, I wished you'd put more effort into it but, I'm not going to moan too much because you've both worked very well in previous tasks. Well done!:clap1:
