Atraxian Dwarf Tegu

[Hilana Chenzira]

Trying my hand at a Solunarium Creature Feature... So presenting my first draft of the Atraxian Dwarf Tegu.

Habitat
The Atraxian Dwarf Tegu is found primarily around Solunarium and Tertium in the Atraxian Desert. Having been selectively bred for their colouring and miniature size, they are mostly seen in captivity as pets in the cities. There are a few that have escaped and can be found in the same locales. They can thrive in all areas of Atraxia, assuming a larger predator does not get them first.

Description
The Dwarf Tegu resembles its ancestor, the wild Dune Tegu, in that it has a short, but thick head and neck, powerful snouts and muscular jaws. They have clawed feet and strong, pointed tails that usually make up about two-thirds of their body length. Their skin is pebbly and predominantly black, with some variations; but their colouring is never less than half black. The more colourful they are, the more prized the pet.

It comes in three colour patterns, or ‘morphs’ as defined by breeders. These are Diamond (white and black), Sapphire (blue and black), and Ruby (red and black). The colours are enhanced with each passing shed until they are adults, in which case their skin does start resembling the facets and fractals of their named morph. As hatchlings, all Atraxian Dwarf Tegus are white and black, and after their second shed, start to show what morph they will resemble. Pictured above is a Diamond morph.

Biome Role
They are (mostly) domesticated pets and devourers of even smaller prey animals and insects. Sometimes referred to affectionately by fanciers as garbage disposals, the Dwarf Tegu has a voracious appetite and will tackle a meal at any hour of the day or night.

Diet
As omnivorous reptiles, the Dwarf Tegu will eat just about everything offered to it. Fruits and vegetables make up about a third of its diet, while protein sources like rodents, snails, insects, eggs, small birds, or other sources of meat from their owners (plain cooked or raw) complete it.

Aging and Reproduction
An Atraxian Dwarf Tefu goes through three lifestyle stages. The first stage is the neonate, which occurs between hatching and three months of age. They are able to be classified by their morphs as neonates. They are considered juveniles from four months to sixteen months. After that, they are adults. They are sexually mature at two years old. Females can lay between 8 and 16 eggs, called a clutch, once a year during the annual breeding season. A younger female may trend towards the lower end of the range for her first clutch or two. Unlike mammals, they do not experience menopause, so can continue to reproduce until they pass of old age. The typical lifespan of the Atraxian Dwarf Tegu is 20-25 years if kept well.

Size
As neonate hatchlings, Dwarf Tegus are approximately 5” long from nose to tail tip. When they enter their juvenile stage, they will have doubled their size by the end of three months. Once they are adults, their body length from the tip of their snout to the base of their tail is approximately 5-6”, and once the tail is accounted for, approximately 15-18” total length.

Abilities and Features
The Dwarf Tegu is a rather intelligent little lizard, and when handled regularly as neonates and juveniles, they are very relaxed and easily trained. They can be trained to use a litter box and walk on harnesses. They do have a relatively strong bite for their size and sharp claws, but when raised to be used to handling, almost never use them. Their skin is also mildly toxic - a method of discouraging predators, but those who dabble in darker arts of poisons have made use of their shed skins for the same purpose. Depending on the amount ingested, symptoms can vary from an upset stomach to nausea to stomach ulcers.

Cultural Significance
In a culture that reveres dragons and reptiles, the Atraxian Dwarf Tegu is a much-beloved pet. They are hardy, easy to care for, and therefore quite popular. Docile and friendly, they are not expensive to purchase and are considered easy to keep. This makes them available for just about all castes.

Reasons to Interact
The Dwarf Tegu is a popular pet in Solunarium and Tertium. Their shed skins can be used as a reagent in various chemical applications.

Recommended Stats
Suitable for beginners, an Animal Handling skill of 0 is really all that is needed if one acquires a Dwarf Tegu that has been properly handled and socialized by its breeder. If one wishes to breed a pair of Dwarf Tegus, then an Animal Husbandry skill of 15 is recommended.