Iolastalk



The Iolastalk has expanded its range into the deserts of Dixon and Ovi. In adulthood it can reach a height of 60 centimetres, with their forts tapering out at the base to provide greater structural support. This shape is accomplished by secreting two forms of slime. The main slime used is much like that of its ancestor, solidifying on contact with the air. The other slime will take a longer period of time to harden and is thus able to flow down the stalks surface and lay down a layer as it hardens. Over time this leads to the tapered base common among older adults. This secondary slime layer is only released following precipitation, so adults living in wetter areas tend to have more pronounced tapering of their stalks. The length of the stalk is two thirds the length of the adult itself, with its head and primary segments exposed at the stalks top and its tail segments extending into its former burrow. These tail segments develop an array of openings which allow for the growth of fibrous extensions of their bodies which will act as a root system to gather nutrients and water.

Adult Iolastalks are all female, and will produce eggs from six reproductive channels on a monthly cycle. These eggs are held behind a thin layer of chitin which will be intentionally weakened at its connection points, one night a month to release the eggs. Anywhere from 3-5 smooth, marble shaped eggs can be queued up in each channel and will roll out from the channel on release. The tapered shape of the stalk assists in conserving the speed of the eggs as they drop, which results in a greater distance the eggs can be transported in this initial release. The chitin covering of the reproductive channels will be regrown within a few days to begin the process again. The released eggs, now in the open and at risk of being eaten, will hatch within minutes and first proceed to eat their eggshells. They will then seek cover and begin their lives as juveniles, all male.



Their lives as juveniles are much like that of their ancestors, with days spent sunbathing and nights spent foraging, all the while avoiding predators as best they can. Their leaves are positioned such that they can be used as rudimentary limbs, pulling themselves along across the ground. They have developed the pit eyes of their head segment to be much larger and deeper, giving it a greater perspective of light and shadow changes in its environment. These eyes are covered with a transparent layer of chitin for protection. The males will spend up to 5 years wandering the landscape, slowly growing and preparing for their eventual transformation into a female which can live up to 10 years.

When males meet one another they will swap sperm, utilizing specialized pores under their leaves. Mating like this takes place with both males embracing one another belly to belly, and secreting a mucus to facilitate the transfer of sperm. These mating events occur mainly at night or under rocks or other shelters so as to avoid predators. After mating the remains of this mucus bath will be consumed by both males and they will then part ways. The sperm acquired through these mating events is stored inside the males body for future use when they are female. This sperm is stored in a dormant state and remains viable up to 8 years, providing the female with all the sperm she will ever need to produce offspring. This has resulted in the species copulation only occurring between males.

The Males coloration transitions from dark greens at the head to teal blues at the tail and the tips of the leaves. This coloration is an indication of age and sperm reserves. Newly hatched juveniles will be entirely green and as they build their sperm reservoirs their tail segments will begin to develop into sperm receptacles. The coloration change on its leaves occurs as a form of self mimicry. Each leaf somewhat resembles the coloration of the tail, and thus helps to disguise the vulnerable tail amongst the more expendable leaves which can be broken off or apart and regrown quickly. This coloration holds over into the adult stage of life, giving the females teal tipped leaves.