Pumbug

The Pumbug split from its ancestor. It is essentially a large catbug. It is somewhat smarter than its ancestor, capable of using simple strategies to take down difficult prey such as Erikens or Azderoos. When hunting an Eriken, for example, it will circle it until it can strike one of the Eriken’s legs out from under it, at which point it will use its long sickle claw to pin it down so it can bite its relatively unprotected throat or underside. It also applies this strategy for hunting the fast-paced Azderoo; not being fast enough to keep up normally, if it fails the initial pounce it will also swipe at the legs in an attempt to disable it before it gets away.

Like its ancestor, the Pumbug is solitary and territorial and may fight with other catbugs, even of other species, over food or territory during hard times. Its own territory may span a 3-4 km radius centered around either a den or a landmark. It will cross territory borders to mate and will allow its offspring to stay in its territory until they are half grown. It still communicates using its antennae, and it can defend itself using the spikes at the end of its long tail-like abdomen.