Swamp-wing | |||
---|---|---|---|
Naming | |||
Binomen | Xamopteryx | ||
Morphology | |||
Body type | Frog-like | ||
Average wingspan | 4-8 wingspan | ||
Intelligence | |||
Sapience | Non-sapient | ||
Ecology | |||
Place of origin | Earth | ||
Habitat | Swamps of Skull Island | ||
Diet | Insectivore | ||
Locomotion | Flying | ||
Behind the Scenes | |||
Universe | King Kong |
Swamp-wings (Swamp Wing) are frog like creatures that lived in the swamps of Skull Island
These creatures were among the oddest results of selective pressures on an otherwise defenseless food source. In response to the threat of predation, a species of bizarre frogs evolved with enlarged membranes between their fingers and back along their arms to their tails in a feature analogous to a bat's wings. While the forelimbs were enlarged, the rear legs were small by frog standards and their ability to jump was limited to a boost for takeoffs.
Their facial features were stunted and almost tadpole like in appearance. Swamp-wing's mouths sported a fan of needle like teeth. Not true teeth, they were sharpened serrations on the frog's jaw, protruding through their gums. Like so many of their strange features, these were unique to the species
Swamp-wings were not accomplished flyers. The extent of their aerial prowess was frequent short distance flights. It was a barely controlled glide, punctuated by rapid flapping fits. However, it was enough to get them from tree to tree in the swamps and away from predators in the water or on land.
Once mature, the species avoided swimming as much as possible. In the water they were easy prey for large fish and birds, their wings being ill adapted for swimming. Agile climbers, with gripping pads on their toes and fingers, they lived mostly on the boughs of wet-rooted trees or in floating vegetation. Their flight was not accurate enough to allow them to reliably hunt on the wing: therefore, most of their diet were small insects caught while on the ground.