Husqamower



The Husqamower has become twice the size of its ancestor, reaching 16 cm in width. Their mouthparts have hardened such that they are able to bite into tough flora, and thus its diet has broadened to include nearly all flora in its range and even some slow moving fauna. The few species of mowers that they eat are particularly small and slow moving, as they are easy to catch up to and have little to no defenses. They find food primarily through scent, as their underside is lined with chemoreceptors. They also possess five simple cup eyes per arm, to identify motion and possible predators. Their grazing can leave a noticeable trail in their wake, eating soft flora nearly entirely and leaving only the hardest parts of tougher flora. The only saving grace is their slow movement speed, maxing out at one meter per minute.

The Husqamower’s size doesn't ensure its safety from predation, especially when it is young. Scorpioworts pose the greatest threat to them, along with a few asterplent species. To deter these predators, under its exoskeleton is a layer of tissue which has small wooden pellets of various sizes spread throughout. These pellets make the Husqamower difficult to eat and will release tannins into the body when consumed. Depending on the predator and their biochemistry this may lead to anything from a bad taste, to gastrointestinal pain or discomfort, to death. Reproduction is much the same as its ancestor, with five orifices per arm and clutches of five eggs being laid following mating. These cellulose shelled eggs are laid underneath rocks and under shallow soil, so as to not be accidentally eaten by the adults grazing. They will hatch after three days and will spend the next year feeding until they reach full size. They can live up to 5 years.