Nacrenys

Name:  Nacrenys
Bionomial Nominclature:  [i]Ingens niveus extraho[/i] (Vast White Dragon)
Average Height:  10 feet 6 inches/3.2 meters
Average Weight:  727.5 pounds/330 kilograms
Notes:  A type of proto-bird, the Nacrenys is akin to other early flyers as a step between dinosaur and true bird.  Prefering to live in volcanic enviroments, this species is adapted to thrive in such locations.
Like the 'dragons' of Pern, Nacrenys have a special second stomach they fill by consuming phosphor containing rocks.  This, combined with their thickened throat and mouth tissues as well as flame resistant saliva, allows them to generate pulses of flame that they use to defend themselves and their territory as well as to attack prey.
Though winged, Nacrenys are too bulky for actual flight.  The best members of this species can acomplish is limited gliding when jumping off high ledges in their mountainous home.  Their wings are also used to make the Nacrenys look bigger as a threat display.
Found on numerous worlds, theorized to be due to Preserver actions, Nacrenys populations are on several lists of species it is recommended to not approach.  On some worlds, native populations worship Nacrenys.
Category:Species