PMT
Basic Information
【Biological Name】
PEARLY MACROTOOTH (PMT)
【Scientific Classification】
Hairtheria · bipodal · Dentabnormal
【Basic Data】
Height: 0.2-0.5m
Weight: 2-4kg
Life Span: 7-9 years
【Brief Introduction】
I don't know if you will encounter a group of little ones doing forward and backward rolls every time you step out, but at least I see PMTs flaunting their unique "rolling feeding" skills every day. These little fellows, with their beautiful big fangs and vibrant fur, are so confident wherever they go, looking down on everything.
Body Structure
① 【Surface】
The PMT's body is covered with thick, colorful feathers, providing cushioning, shock absorption, and protection.
② 【Eye Feathers】
The PMT's head features eye-shaped patterns on three sets of feathers. When facing enemies, these feathers imitate blinking and swinging, effectively confusing and intimidating them.
③ 【Eyesight】
PMTs have excellent vision during the day but experiences a severe decline in eyesight at night, suggesting a possible case of night blindness.
④ 【Teeth】
The PMT's teeth consist of prominent fangs, lateral teeth, and molars on the inside. The fangs, the most beautiful part of the PMT, play a role in attracting mates—the larger, the better.
⑤ 【Tooth Shield】
The tooth shield on the outer side of a PMT's fangs is a segmented and flexible bony structure. Besides aiding in food searches, it also serves as a weapon in duels.
⑥ 【Back Feathers】
The PMT has a heart-shaped patch of blue feathers on its back. When facing danger, PMT raises these feathers as a threat display.
⑦ 【Legs】
The PMT has excellent jumping ability and generally moves by hopping. It can jump 2-3 meters in a single leap.
⑧ 【Foot Pads】
The number of toes on a PMT's feet varies based on gender. Males have four toes, while females have three.
⑨ 【Breathing Vents】
A PMT's breathing vents are located behind the eye feathers in a concealed position, effectively protecting them from harm or foreign particles during rolling movements.
Life Overview
The PMT is a small, omnivorous land creature found in various terrains, such as jungles, plains, rocky areas, and swamps. They live in colonies, typically consisting of 20 to 50 members, constructing sturdy nests using plant stems, leaves, and sticky sap. Their diet includes miniature animals and small fruits, and they exhibit a highly unique feeding behavior.
Roll on, PMT!
"Rolling Feeding" is a PMT's unique and laborious eating method. Whether it's a FUR NIBBLER accidentally stepped on or an unfortunate PEBBLE OCTOPUS that's been discovered, PMT uses its tooth shield to scoop up these items. It then performs a forward roll, allowing the food to naturally roll into its mouth along the tooth shield. It can be said that this is one of PMT's most crucial survival skills.
If you see a group of PMTs enthusiastically rolling down from a height, don't worry. Adult PMTs, in order to train the rolling skills of their offspring, bring them to slopes and encourage them to roll down, practicing repeatedly. Generally, a one-month-old PMT can fully master this skill. Through continuous rolling, they develop a strong physique and high lung capacity. Their feathers also become more resilient.
Fangs represent justice!
Compared to its practicality, PMT's fangs prioritize aesthetics. Beautiful and sturdy fangs can win the favor of the opposite sex, leaving ordinary fangs in the dust! Standards for beautiful fangs:
① Length should be 12 centimeters or more, with moderate thickness.
② Minimize cracks or flaws, maintaining a smooth surface.
③ Both fangs should be the same length; symmetry is applicable here.
④ The curvature of the fang tips is also a judging criteria!
Compared to perfect fangs, a PMT's view of other parts of the body is the complete opposite. The more scars on the body, the more they represent a PMT's survival experience and combat ability. If a PMT has a body full of scars but its fangs are as white as jade, then such a PMT is undoubtedly an idol! Of course, the injuries shouldn't be too severe; if they cause inconvenience in movement or result in disability, then natural selection comes into play.
Fang Care Handbook
In their quest for the best fangs, PMTs go to great lengths. Ghostly Mushrooms contain growth hormones beneficial for fang development. However, directly eating these mushrooms from the ground is no easy task for PMTs. Hence, they've mastered the art of "bum food." When a MOKAKA eagerly chews on Ghostly Mushrooms, PMTs lie around with wide-open mouths, hoping for some luck to get a share of these mushrooms!
Applying the mucus from Snot Grass to fangs can enhance their glossiness. PMTs regularly form teams to venture into the swamp, risking their lives to find Snot Grass. Once they locate it, they push it down, seizing the opportunity to vigorously smear the mucus on their fangs. During this process, some PMTs may get eaten by swamp creatures (like Hexasteppers), but they fearlessly gamble everything for the sake of their fangs!
Some experienced PMTs also seek protruding rocks to polish their fangs, crafting them into their preferred shapes. This operation demands great skill, as a slight misstep can result in disastrous damage to the fangs.
The calcium-rich nodules on the back of Pebble Octopuses are crucial for strengthening the hardness of their fangs. Therefore, once a PMT discovers a Pebble Octopus, it immediately devours it.
Lastly, don't forget that the natural, robust tooth shield is the ultimate protection for fangs. No matter what the activity—eating, dueling, or rolling—is, whenever there's a potential threat to the fangs, the tooth shield must be activated!
Eyefeather Usage Guidelines
【Deterrence】
When confronted by other creatures, PMTs deploy their eyefeathers with eye-like patterns on the head. They exaggerate shaking and raise the feathers on their backs, using these visual cues to confuse or intimidate adversaries. This method is mostly effective against non-lethal invaders. However, in intra-species conflicts, eyefeathers are rarely used. It's a trick everyone knows, and direct confrontation often proves more efficient than relying on tactics.
【Courtship Ritual】
During courtship, male PMTs open their eyefeathers, squint their eyes, and prominently display their fangs. They engage in various peculiar movements to showcase themselves. Meanwhile, females attentively observe, deciding whether to accept the displaying male as a potential mate. This intricate dance of displays and observations is a crucial part of PMT courtship, where visual signals play a significant role in the selection process.
Duel Moments
Despite their small size, PMTs have mighty temperaments. Daily life often sparks duels over food, mates, and territories. In these duels, PMTs clash their tooth shields, attempting to push each other away. The one sent flying is deemed the loser. With the protection of tooth shields, PMTs unleash their combative nature without reservation, sending disliked rivals flying in these bouts!
PMT Tap Dance
PMTs exhibit an instinctive tap dance response to smaller, swiftly moving creatures, and Fur Nibblers are undoubtedly the prime species that trigger this instinct. PMTs cohabitating with MOKAKAs spend a significant portion of their time engaging in tap dances on Fur Nibblers. This unique tap dance has become one of the most distinctive features of this planet!
Ding Dong~ Community Service
Adult PMTs train their offspring to search for Fur Nibblers on a MOKAKA's body. This not only hones the young ones' hunting skills but also fosters good relations with neighbors. No wonder the MOKAKA generously shares Snot Grass!
Pearl Villa
The nesting spots of the PMTs are not fixed, but most PMT communities prefer building their nests within colonies of non-threatening creatures. Nests are constructed from a mixture of plants, soil, and saliva, creating a robust and permeable structure capable of accommodating 15-20 PMTs. These nests serve primarily for overnight stays and nurturing offspring, while PMTs spend the rest of their time outdoors. In the event of an external threat, the PMT on guard duty will call back its companions to protect the nest.
【Entrance】
The nest's entrance is situated in an elevated position, and the PMTs usually reach it by jumping. This design prevents smaller creatures from entering the nest through the entrance.
【Resting Chambers】
The second and third levels of the nest serve as resting chambers, where adult PMTs huddle together for sleep.
【Exit】
The nest's exit is located at a lower point. Internally, a slide-like passage connects to the third level, allowing PMTs to roll directly to the ground.
【Slide】
A slick exit passage that is coated with Snot Grass mucilage that solidifies into an ultra-smooth surface, making re-entry through the exit nearly impossible.
【Observation Deck】
The observation deck is akin to the entrance but higher; it's on the third level. PMTs can't jump there directly and must access it from the inside, using it to observe their surroundings.
【Nursery】
The first level is the nursery, where PMTs lay eggs and care for their young. It lacks an exit but has a platform connecting to the second level, allowing the offspring to reach the resting chambers as they grow.
【Fecal Pit】
Dug by PMTs in the nursery for handling the excrement of the offspring. Its location is not fixed. Once excrement is present, the PMTs bury it to maintain hygiene. The buried waste assimilates quickly with the soil, allowing for repeated digging.
Reproduction & Growth
【 Reproduction mode 】
PMTs are dioecious and oviparous, with the pregnant females laying eggs a month after conception. They can reproduce up to five times a year, with each clutch consisting of 2-3 eggs.
PMT eggs are pale yellow with a layered keratin shell that prevents easy rolling and provides some elasticity, ensuring they are resistant to external force.
【 PMT Eggs 】
【 Infancy (3 weeks) 】
Newly born PMT are entirely hairless and unable to stand. Their only means of movement is rolling, and their tusks haven't fully developed. To prevent any unconscious damage to their tusks during this period, the tusk shield remains open throughout the day.
【 Toddlerhood (4 Weeks) 】
At four weeks, PMT youngsters sport back fur and budding eye feathers. They've mastered walking but can't quite manage jumps. They've learned to roll for self-feeding, though tusks stay exposed, and venturing outdoors is still off-limits.
During feeding, parents step on the offspring, allowing the food in their mouths to flow into the offspring's mouth along the tusks. Don't worry; the offspring's skin is thick, and parents control the pressure, so slight stepping does not harm the offspring.
【 Adolescent Stage (10 Weeks) 】
At ten weeks, young PMTs resemble miniature adults, showing a keen awareness of tusk care. Tusk shields can now be retracted. After rigorous cliff-rolling training, they'll join adults in unrestricted activities. Full PMT maturity is achieved at six months.
Conclusion
I love PMTs, they're incredibly adorable. Whenever I feel down, watching their antics is my go-to remedy for dispelling negativity. I genuinely feel fortunate to be in a place where these creatures exist. Although there was a time when they relentlessly pursued my helmet, which was quite annoying!
—— M