Cyndaquil

Cyndaquil mimus (Cyndaquil)

The cyndaquil is a half-foot long maulwurf that lives in Madagascar. Cyndaquil is part of a larger radiation of basal maulwurfs which rafted to Madagascar in the Oligocene. Unlike mainland species of maulwurf, the cyndaquil spends most of its time above ground, although they are still good diggers. They are nocturnal, spending most of the day in well hidden burrows. Cyndaquils are most famous for their striking coloration, with a fawn underbelly and a dark blue back with red spots. They have venom glads on their backs, and cyndaquils are often found spreading it all over their fur. On the skin Cyndaquil venom is only a minor irritant, but is incredibly lethal if ingested. As such most predators leave cyndaquil alone, except for the Madagascar Ground Snake which has developed an immunity to the venom. Upon any indication of real danger, cyndaquil will retreat into their burrows. Cyndaquils are specialized insectivores, with a long tapering snout with sharp shrew like teeth. They gather in large numbers during the mating season of the Zap to take advantage of the food source. Their mating season is timed to coincide with that of the Zaps.