Zykemet
As the flying Spardis quickly diversified into new niches, it was only a logical step that one group of them would quickly transition into full carnivory. While it is pretty similar to its ancestors in external appearance, it has some considerable differences that set it apart from other spardi lineages.
First, the zykemet has some specific adaptations for hunting its preferred prey: other flyers. Most noticeably, their large, tong-like mandibles are used for snapping up small prey such as spardiflies in midair. These are facilitated by strong muscles which can open and close the lateral jaws at considerable speed. While they do open their vertical jaws to catch prey as well, these are not nearly as fast or strong as the lateral jaws. Their “normal” jaws are basically only used to carry or swallow food, as well as slightly lowering their prey’s chance of escape.
While big teeth and strong jaws are useful to any organism that primarily consumes meat, other adaptations are needed as well. Zykemets are far more maneuverable in order to make the precise movements needed for aerial hunting. Actinofiber-like rods of cartilage support the wing, making it stiff and aerodynamic while also allowing for appropriate folding and bending of the wing membrane. The tibiae (middle bones) of the wing are somewhat interlocking, and are stiffened by cartilage. While this does keep the wing stiff, a slight bend is noticeable when significant pressure is put on the wing. The anal hand is larger and more versatile, with each finger being able to move independently in order to change the tail membrane’s shape. When not in use, it is usually closed up. The anal fingers contain relatively few bones, and like with the wing tibiae, these bones are stiffened with cartilage to prevent the hand from bending. The main tail has also been reduced in order to prevent drag.
While most other spardis are limited to an awkward bat-like stance on the ground, the zykemet has a slight advantage. It is able to rest on its tail when standing on flat ground, allowing it to sit down or perch on petrolignopsid branches. Zykemets give birth to larger young, and as a result, they needed special adaptations to the cloaca. The cloaca is comparatively wide, and can stretch out in order to give birth more easily. While their offspring are larger and better developed, they do not care for as many at once. Zykemets usually only raise one or two offspring at a time, though they can have many children throughout their lifetime.