Serpenth

(SUR-penth}

While it may not take to the skies as its dragon cousins do, the serpenth is an apex predatory reptile that receives both respect and awe from Subetans. Believed to be an ancient species, the serpenth originates from The Omen Islands, where it can spend days soaking up the sun and nights hunting for prey. Fossil records from thousands of years ago show a smaller snake with larger wings that was believed to be airborne. The modern serpenth, however, has evolved to be a heavy land-dweller. Though its wings can no longer carry it, serpenths put their wings to good use as an intimidation technique, spreading out the feathers to make themselves look even bigger and more frightening than they already are.

As one of the largest reptiles on all of Subeta, a full-grown serpenth is quite a sight to behold. They can average up to 18 feet (5.5m) and weigh well over 100 pounds (45 kg) after years of shedding their skins. Females are only slightly longer than males, but they do tend to be thicker and heavier. Their girth is massive - an adult human can barely wrap their arms completely around a full-grown serpenth, and it would be foolish to try such a thing! Serpenths tend to hunt quietly from the ground, using grasses and their wings to hide themselves as they stalk prey before striking and constricting their choice meal. Due to their detaching lower jaws, they are able to eat many animals seemingly larger than their heads, though their preferred diets are manchus and the occasional ground-dwelling mallarchy. An older serpenth may only eat one large meal a month, and afterwards will spend several hours in the sun to help aid digestion. Serpenths are known for being quite curious about their food before they consume it; in fact, many a serpenth has attempted to investigate a large priggle as a potential meal, only to be met with pain and disappointment.

Females will lay large clutches of anywhere from ten to twenty soft-shelled eggs. They incubate these eggs for several months and are extremely defensive of their nests, especially from other serpenths - for the species is not above being ovivorous! Once the nestlings hatch, the mother will then abandon them to fend for themselves. Young serpenths can be cannibalistic to their siblings, and most will quickly leave the nest before they become a first meal.

Keeping a serpenth as a pet is recommended for only the most experienced herpetologist with a large space and a lot of time! Captive serpenths can be wonderfully docile and even quite cuddly, but they do have their limits. They do not like being tightly hugged, and they especially do not like having their wings touched. While a serpenth bite may not be venomous, it is nevertheless extremely painful, as their thin, sharp teeth will hook easily into flesh. If you are truly patient and respectful of this large creature, however, you will be rewarded with an extremely loyal companion for many many years.