Flutterspine

The flutterspine split from its ancestor, the spiny flutterworm. When the violetweed diversified, the flutterspine followed by evolving sharper mandibles with joints. These joints helped improve its ability to cut through vegetation in comparison to its ancestor, reducing its reliance on filter-feeding. Another way it has improved its energy intake is by evolving larger paddles that increase its absorption of sunlight; these larger paddles also help boost its swimming capabilities.

The flutterspine gets its name from its larger spines that give it further protection from predators that may attempt to feed on it. The flutterspine has also evolved tiny sensory hairs on its caudal antenna that enhance its ability to sense vibrations and recognize when other organisms are nearby. Due to these enhancements in the caudal antenna, the sensory capabilities in its mandibles are reduced compared to its ancestor.

The flutterspine has moved further into the Fermi waterways, and it has also adapted to colder and less saline waters in the Otter region by becoming somewhat larger, stockier, and darker green in order to help it retain heat. It still retains the light-blue underside that its ancestor had as a means of keeping countershading.