The black diocher is a small, shelled terrestrial animal endemic to the Coan-Schell archipelago. It is a strict land-dweller with a glossy black exoskeleton and a heavy, flattened spherical shell. The species lodges atop helix sini catkin crowns to feed on nectar. This feeding activity stimulates the plant to produce more nectar, establishing a mutualistic association where the diocher serves as an accidental pollinator.

Etymology

Unknown.

Morphology

The shell is a biologically secreted variant of schellesite, layered and deposited throughout growth. It measures 2-6 cm in diameter and approximately 3 cm in height. Females typically possess light-brown shells with brownish markings, while males display vivid orange markings. The flattened-spherical shell bears two lateral "horns" that develop continuously with age. The body features a hard exoskeleton and modified tarsal claws used to anchor the animal on catkin tips, bark, or soil. Upon death, the soft body decomposes rapidly, leaving the shell, composed of schellesite, intact.

Physiology

The species possesses a hard exoskeleton and modified tarsal claws specialized for anchoring itself. Diocher's shells grow in accordance to the animal.

Diet

The species feeds on the nectar of Helix Sini catkins.

Mechanisms

When threatened, the animal retracts fully into the shell, utilizing horns and spines for defense.

Behavior

Life Cycle

Eggs are deposited exposed on or near the catkin structure and hatch in approximately 6 days. Hatchlings are direct-developing, translucent miniatures of adults. They develop a proto-shell over three weeks and reach full adult form at six weeks. The average lifespan is five to six months. Females remain with a selected mate until egg-laying concludes. Black diocher do not build nests.

Ecology

Healthy Helix Sini catkins with attached diochers persist and flower more vigorously due to the passive pollen transfer and nectar stimulation. Shells are collected post-mortem and serve as a primary source of schellesite on Coan-Schell. Locals process the shells into cutting implements, decorative inlays, and tool edges. Sustainable harvesting focuses on collected shells rather than live specimens.