Traits

Some Xeros may have retractable claws; however this is a not a common adaptation. These claws are slightly more pointy than the standard Xero claws, but are otherwise exactly the same when not retracted inside. When not in use, they just show up as simple slits on the paws, sometimes hidden by the fur.

Antennae are the most common trait displayed by Xeros. These sensitive feelers enhance a Xero's senses and help them navigate in difficult environments. The antennae can be many different shapes and lengths, and can be present on the head, back, tail, and other places, such as on the cheeks like 'whiskers', or on the back of the limbs. Antennae are soft and flexible.

Venomous Xeros are quite rare, and not very much is currently known about why some feature this trait. Scientists speculate that it is a leftover adaptation from their previously insectivorous lifestyle. Venomous Xeros have a pair of modified saliva glands that can deliver venom through grooves in their upper canine teeth. However, they have complete control over these glands, and are able to produce regular saliva the majority of the time, so it does not negatively impact their lives in any way. Even Xeros who do not posess venom are immune to its affects, so there is no cause for concern!

The most notable visual feature of venomous Xeros is that their flesh is a fully saturated, neon color, to serve as a warning of their toxins. They also feature neon-colored markings surrounded with a dark outline for high contrast. These markings can be any shape, such as stripes, spots, rosettes, stars, and more.

Bioluminescence is a very rare trait sometimes observed on Xeros. Chemical reactions within the cells of these Xero's skin produce a vibrant glow that they can control at will; however, the original function of this adaptation is currently unknown. Xeros that are bioluminescent feature some or all of their soft tissues that are a fully saturated, glowing neon color.

Bobtails are a somewhat unusual mutation to see on a Xero. These tails are naturally short, and can be various shapes such as super short nubs, or fluffier bunny or deer-like tails.

Plume tails are a somewhat unusual mutation to see on a Xero. These tails are very long and fluffy, but also flat and wide, like a skunk or squirrel's tail.

 Desert Xeros can have thick, fat tails like a gecko to store fat and water, this trait is known as a Desert Tail. Size and shape can vary, but think of a thick leopard gecko-like tail, or a big squishy tail reminiscent of a caterpillar or grub.

Curly Tails are a common mutation observed on Xeros. These tails can be a variety of different sizes and shapes, but always curl upwards in a single loop.

Tufted Tails are a common mutation observed on Xeros. These tails can be any size or shape, but feature a tuft of longer fur at the tip, like a lion.

Xeros can have all sorts of tail shapes, but prehensile tails are quite rare. This type of tail acts as a fifth limb, allowing the Xero to hold on to other objects or aid in climbing. When not in use, they hold their tails coiled tightly in a spiral, usually facing down.

Hairless Xeros are very rare. Their fur is very useful for regulating their temperature and protecting them from their environment, so its not common at all to see them with fur missing. The hairless trait can manifest in different ways; from just a hairless tail or belly, to only hair on the top of the head, to even completely bald! The color of skin where their fur is missing must be the same as the other visible flesh on their ears, tongue, and paw pads, but it can vary in different shades.

The fur pads trait gives a Xero extra fluffy feet that covers their paw pads, like a rabbit or fennec fox! This adaptation can help protect their paws against extremely hot or cold conditions.

Tundra Xeros can have extra fluffy fur, called Tundra Fur. Often shown as a super fluffy neck and chest area like a mane, but can also be extra fluffy on the undersides of the limbs, the tail, sides of the face, etc.

Melanistic Xeros have an overubundance of pigment in their skin and fur, resulting in darker fur colors, flesh colors, and can even have reverse countershading; these are the only Xeros found to have darker colored bellies. Only melanistic Xeros can have sceleras (eye whites) darker than the iris! Their fur, flesh, and eyes can still be any color, but must be on the darker side. Melanistic Xeros can also be a solid dark color, with no countershading.

Piebald Xeros have splotches of fur lacking pigment. These patterns of white fur are completely random, and can cover a lot of the Xero, or very little. It can also effect their flesh, resulting in flesh with different colored patches. Piebald Xeros may also have heterochromia: two different colored eyes, or eyes with several different colors within them!

Generally, a Xero's flesh is all the same color, so visible areas like the inside of their ears, tongue, nostrils, and paw pads must all be the same, but this special trait allows their skin to be different colors! It's not just limited to two colors either, each ear, paw pad, etc. could all be different colors! However, spotted skin is exclusive to the Piebald trait. This trait also allows heterochromia; two different colored eyes!

Leucistic Xeros are similar to albino ones, but have only a partial loss of pigment, rather than a complete lack. They have a pure-white or off-white coat with no countershading, but can have dark-colored markings and markings of any color, not just ones that match their flesh hue.

Albino Xeros lack pigment in their fur, and thus have a pure-white or off-white coat with no countershading. Any markings they have in their fur will be pale, and the same color as their flesh (orange in this example). Flesh, eyes, and markings must all be the same hue, but can be varying shades. Their flesh can still be any color, it is not limited to shades of pink or red like an Earth animal.