Traits

Though it's very rare, some Xeros may have horizontal pupils instead of the standard round or oval ones. This strange adaptation gives the Xero a wider field of view, making them very hard to sneak up on.

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.

Saber fangs are a very rare mutation to see on a Xero. These long canines protrude much further from the Xero's mouth than is normal for their species. This can give them a rather intimidating appearance!

It is very rare to see a Xero with slimy skin. Xeros with this trait have extra slimy skin, coated with protective mucus. The slime only affects areas of visible skin, such as their inner ears, paw pads, and tongue. This trait could be combined with the Hairless trait to have slimy skin on other areas of the body.

Eating a certain berry can trigger the skin of a Xero to build new amino structures, mimicking the microscopic elements present in the jewel berry and presenting a metallic like sheen similar in refractive performance. This rare mutation gives Xeros the dazzle trait; shiny, metallic, or glittery flesh, presenting itself on the insides of their ears, tongue, paw pads, and pouch. It can also sometimes give them glittery or shiny markings in their fur!

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.

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!