Spiny Flutterworm

The spiny flutterworm evolved as a result of the niche for eating violetweed being open. Originally, common flutterworms would grab onto a piece of violetweed with their cephalic antennae to grab onto violetweed leaves and thrash about, ripping pieces off. However, a mutation in some individuals granted them sharper antennae, allowing them to shear through the vegetation with ease. Over time, this trait was selected for to the point that the antennae effectively became mandibles. These mandibles are situated on the sides of the head. The spiny flutterworm evolved spikes as a result of constant predation from lagnodactyls like the arsnoot. However, predators become much less of a threat once the spiny flutterworm exceeds 7 cm in length. Because of their photosynthetic nature and need to live near the seafloor, the spiny flutterworm is more commonly found in shallow waters.