Tra

Overview

Common Names

Tra (Waejir), Wyrms

Tra are small to medium sized reptiles (1-4 m in length) resembling Terran snakes with ribbed wings similar to the fins of fish. They can be found in nearly any temperature or warmer climate, and are generally carnivores, preying on a variety of smaller animals.

Description

Classification

Reptile, Serpent

Size

Appearance

Sexual Dimorphism

Variance

Groupings of related species by anatomical similarities exist. There can be remarkable variation within these groups. Patterns and colouration varies widely amongst species.

Ecology

Habitat

Tropical to subarctic latitudes, in nearly any biome.

Diet

Fish, Birds, Reptiles, Amphibians, Small mammals.

Venomous

Most tra are non-venomous, but those that are usually have haemotoxic or neurotoxic venoms.

Behaviour

Social grouping

Solitary. Winter hibernaculums can contain hundreds of animals,

Temperament

Wary to aggressive, Varies widely between species.

Intelligence

Animal

Reproduction

All tra hatch from eggs (numbering 3-60) laid in holes dug in the ground and covered over with the tailings from the excavation.

Sub-Species

Frilled Tra

This group of tra has their wings located near the base of their head. The size and placement of the frills do not allow for flight, but are used in displays of warning, or for balance when striking.

Short Tailed Tra

This grouping of tra have their wings located approximately 3/4 of their body length, and have a remarkably short tail. They are capable of limited flight, mostly gliding from heights, however short hops of horizontal flight are common.

Long Necked Tra

Named more for behaviour than particular physiology, these tra tend to raise their heads near vertically above their bodies to gain a better vantage point and to alert interlopers of their presence. Like their short tailed cousins these tra are capable of limited gliding flight.

Two-Winged Tra

One of the two grouping capable of true flight. The two-winged tra have a double pair of wings allowing near vertical take-offs and landings through beating their wings in opposition.

Wingtail Tra

The second family of tra capable of true flight. The wing tailed tra have a pair of pseudo-wings along the last portion of their tails, allowing a counter balance to their larger main wings. Given sufficient height to launch from, these tra are capable of dramatic swooping and gliding flight.

Sand Tra

Sand tra do not use their wings for flight, but have been known to kick-up small clouds of sand and dust when threatened. This can have a temporary blinding effect on creatures exposed to the cloud.

Sea Tra

The wholly aquatic family of tra contains the highest percentage of venomous species. Their wings allow for exceptional manoeuvrability in the marine environments. They prey on marine animals of all types.

Domestication

General

Some species are kept for vermin control, or protection against thieves.

Resources

Meat, Eggs, Skins, Wing Bones