The clay nuprae is a stocky, reptilian species found throughout Junda, excluding coastal regions. Preferring small crevices in trees or shallow cave systems, it is a solitary creature.

Etymology

From English clay and Latin nubes aprica, meaning “sunny cloud”.

Morphology

Adults range from 18 to 25 cm in length and 3 to 5 cm in width, with a stocky body covered in terracotta-colored skin. A transparent, cartilaginous spine rises from the back of its head to its tail, reaching approximately one centimeter above the body. Its four limbs end in broad, four-digit paws that resemble small clouds, soft and white. The clay nuprae has small, pitch-black eyes and no sexual dimorphism.

Physiology

Older individuals display faint white markings and reduced activity, giving them a visibly aged appearance.

Diet

Its diet consists primarily of small insects, such as featherflies and petalden mites, and it occasionally consumes sungel produced by the sungel featherfly.

Specific Abilities

Paws are possibly adapted to trap small animals or plant debris, though the exact function remains unknown.

Behavior

Life Cycle

Individuals mature quickly, reaching full size in just a few months, and typically live for around a year and a half. Reproduction occurs within their sheltering crevices, with eggs laid in protected nooks.

Social Structure

Clay Nuprae are solitary and relatively sedentary.

Ecology

They are opportunistic feeders, spending much of their time within crevices or caves.