Lepidochelys lanigerus
Woolly Scaleback
Field Report Summary
Physical Description
Resembles a badger in size and build. Its back and flanks are covered in overlapping, keratinous scales, reminiscent of an armadillo but with a darker, almost black coloration. The head, legs, and underside are covered in dense, dark brown wool. The claws are elongated and sharp, adapted for digging. The face is distinctly mammalian, with small, rounded ears and sensitive whiskers. Has a short, bushy tail with scaly rings. Possesses mammary glands and gives birth to live young.
Habitat
Temperate forests with rocky outcrops and burrows.
Dietary Behavior
Primarily consumes ferns and moss, supplementing its diet with mineral-rich clay.
Evolutionary Origin
A highly improbable hybrid of a rabbit and an ancient, scaled amphibian. Horizontal gene transfer from symbiotic gut bacteria allowed for keratin synthesis in skin cells.
Behavioral Notes
The woolly coat sheds seasonally, revealing iridescent scales beneath. This shedding is synchronized with the lunar cycle.