Toadmoth (in progress)

Notes: This may not be the right location, and this may belong under "plots/suggestions". If so, please simply notify me and I will move it (or move it yourself, if you have that capability and feel like doing it).

Work in progress



Location: Along the muddy and moist areas of the Northern Forests
Appearance: The toadmoth is just how it sounds. A crossbreed of a toad and a moth. The female is larger than the male, measuring between 3-4.5 inches long. inches long, with males measuring on average 2-3.5 inches. Wing span varies amongst both the males and females, usually between 6-10 inch (female) to 4-8 inch (male). Body colors are usually more simplistic reds, tans, browns, blacks, but nearly all have a yellowish tint to their shiny slimy skin. Wings, however, vary much more widely. They are bright and colorful, with an entourage of purples, brights yellows, reds, pinks, blues, violet, light orange, etc.

Defense mechanisms: While the colors and appearance of the toadmoth doesn't help it to hide, it sends a very clear message. It is NOT for eating. In fact, toadmoths are one of the most toxic animals in the Northern Forests. The toxinsare located in several glands all underneath the skin, six in total (one by each limb, one under the neck, and one on the lower abdomen on the underbelly). Generally, .5-1 ounce of this can be excreted, and with rest the toad can produce more in around 4-6 days. The toxin directly affects both the digestive and respiratory system, bypassing the esophogous and digestive track by tricking the diaphragm (the part that seperarates the systems) into thinking that the toxin is, in fact, oxygen. Once the toxin has entered the lungs, it enters the bloodstream via the alveoli, thus making its way to the blood. Upon entering the circulatory system, the toxin thickens and clogs the arteries. The results are similar (if not the same) as a heart attack, often resulting in death or serious injury.

The toadmoth cannot fly great distances, but can stay in the air for several minutes, long enough for it to escape danger or get to higher ground.

Diet/eating habits: The toadmoth lives almost entirely off a diet of large insects, included but limited to dragonflies, smaller moths, and mosquitoes.

Mating/reproduction: Toadmoths have very much the same mating rituals as normal toads during spring (when it's warmer out), particularly in the month of April, during which the constant chorus of croaks can be heard (which are rather high pitched and similar to the sound a cricket produces). Eggs are fertilized within 2-3 weeks, laid underwater, anywhere between 3000-6000 (only 200-300 will ever see adulthood). are laid at a time, hatching 4-6 weeks later. The growth cycle is very similar to the average toad, between 5-10 weeks until reach maturity. Wing development does not begin until after hibernation (there is very little way to tell a toadmoth from a regular toad), which begins in early fall.

Hibernation: As summer ends, the toadmoth gathers up energy for its hibernation, consuming up to twice its own body mass in a period of days. They bury themselves beneath the dirt in what they presume is a "safe" place (underneath rocks, logs, etc) and will sleep from mid fall to the end of winter, awaking once winter ends. During this time, they also go through a metamorphosis, during which time the wings are grown and the glands are fully developed.

Lifespan: Females tend to live longer than males, averaging between 6-8 years, while males lead rather shorter lives, between 4-6, but many have been recorded living in captivity for decades, the current record holder 38 (and counting).

Human uses: The wings have many uses, containing the polymer chitin. Ground up, they make a very good fertilizer. Dyes.

While the toad cannot be eaten without proper (and careful) preparation, the toxin itself is quite popular (for obvious reasons). Once the toxin has been separated from the toad however, it must be kept at 100 degrees Fahrenheit (roughly the temperature of blood) or it loses its properties.