Spicomellus (SciiFii)

Spicomellus vulgaris, also known as the crusher, is a species of basal, non-avian, ankylosaurian dinosaur that originally lived in what is now South Africa during the Middle Jurassic Period (when South Africa was part of the supercontinent Gondwana), as an extinct species, Spicomellus afer, and was once extinct, but has since been brought back from extinction by SciiFii. Spicomellus vulgaris was planned to be featured in Cretaceous Park located in Sacramento, California, but due to the combination of theives breaking in and stealing baby Spicomellus vulgaris and illegal pet trades, Spicomellus vulgaris has been either deliberately or accidentally introduced throughout the rainforests, wetlands, forests, open woodlands, grasslands, shrublands, and scrublands across Africa, Asia, and North America. Despite this, Spicomellus vulgaris is not known to be invasive in any modern ecosystems due to its populations being under control from present predators such as carnivorous non-avian theropods, bears, big cats, canids, and among others, and due to the fact that Spicomellus vulgaris is a slow breeder similarly to hippos as opposed to being a fast breeder like an adaptable lizard. Although it is a basal ankylosaurian, the dermal spikes are fused to the bone, which is a trait unique to Spicomellus and not known from any other vertebrates. Because the dermal spikes are fused to the bone instead of being attached to muscle tissue in all other ankylosaurs, this trait makes it harder for the animal to move. Spicomellus vulgaris is a medium-sized ankylosaurian, growing no more than 3 metres (9.8 feet) on average when fully grown. Spicomellus vulgaris is entirely herbivorous and primarily feeds on leaves, shrubs, pine needles, ferns, cycads, and horsetails, although it is known to occasionally feed on fruits to supplement its diet. Spicomellus vulgaris is usually a solitary animal and prefers to live alone in most of its life except during the breeding seasons. The conservation status of Spicomellus vulgaris is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts and the animal's wide range.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii