Context-
Southbound is an **artificial** speculative evolution project centering primarily around the speculative "biology" and evolution of machines. Unless specifically stated otherwise, instalments take place somewhere on the surface of the tidally-locked planet, Xoturanseria (Anser). DM me for the discord server.
Specific Context-
Chirothopter Diversity
Overview
The chirothopters are amongst the most diverse machines found across Xoturanseria, with many species being quite visually striking. Although they may appear quite similar at first, the four major lineages have specific adaptations that tend to help with identification.
Arguses
Arguses are often large chirothopters native primarily to Anser's illuminated hemisphere, particularly in Ictinaetus, where they demonstrate the highest diversity. They typically exhibit a large rostral ridge, horns, a brightly-coloured tail, and transleucent distal wing membranes. However, the group is primarily defined by the presence of large, colourful eyespots on the shoulders. These eyespots are often accompanied by other "eyes", usually along the throat.
Sparrowbats
The sparrowbats are strange, often diurnal machines found primarily on island chains in the northern hemisphere. They are best defined by the parrotfish-like beak seen protruding from their reduced lips. Sparrowbats are particularly cryptic for chirothopters, often not growing very large, and being found primarily in dense woodland environments.
Crested Chirothopters
A primarily crepuscular lineage of chirothopter, crested chirothopters are often rare to see in the wild, typically having only a small window of activity.
As the name suggests, these machines often have large rostral crests, as well as a train of elongated pycnofibers acting as tail coverts. However, both of these traits do not necessarily have to be present at once.
Bristletails
The bristletails are an almost strictly nocturnal lineage- with around 90% of recorded species only being found in Anser's dim hemisphere- and tend to be the strangest in appearance. They lack "true" eyes, instead utilizing complex, highly-derived pycnofibers to see. These "eyes" are typically found in massive clusters around the head, and the amount of "eyes" may vary not only from species to species, but also from individual to individual. They are also the only lineage to feature a distinctive bristle-laced tail, rather than a bird-like membrane-bound fan of plates.
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Wowwwww, look at all those scuffed bats.
