The Pale Crawler (Dryambulus alba) also known as just Crawlers, are a large humanoid mammal native throughout North America, Europe and Asia, as well as parts of South America and North Africa.
They are highly adaptable, intelligent omnivores found throughout most habitats ranging from forests to wetlands and even deserts, they also thrive in urban environments, the presence of which has allowed the species to spread into spaces they would otherwise not live.
Due to their affinity for human settlements, the Pale Crawlers are perhaps the most frequently encountered cryptid, due to their habit of nesting in sewers, abandoned buildings, attics, and forests, they are often mistaken by ‘paranormal enthusiasts’ as entities such as Skinwalkers, Wendigos, Jinns, Ghouls, Gray Aliens and others.
Description
Pale Crawlers have a humanoid body plan, and strongly resemble an emaciatedor sickly human.
Pale Crawlers are highly variable, coming in many skin colors from dark brown to stark white and can vary in height from 5-8 feet in height, though most of this height is due to their long lanky limbs. Pale Crawlers are light, usually weigh only 55-75 lbs.
Pale Crawlers have a human-like face with small, reflective eyes and small mouths filled with sharp teeth.
Pale Crawlers are capable of echolocation by squeaking at a high frequency not able to be heard by humans.
Pale Crawlers have large hands with 5 fingers, though on the the inner 3 have claws, which are long and very sharp.
Taxonomy
Many Cryptozoologists assumed the Pale Crawler to be a species of Primate, possibly even a hominid. However genetic studies have revealed that crawlers are a member of a unique lineage, named the Dryambula, which is closely related to chitopterans.
The Dryambula clade evolved during the late cretaceous where they diverged from ancient chiroptera primarily through their lack of wing membranes.
Several Cryptozoologists have suggested the Pale Crawler is actually multiple closely related species, though this is unclear. There are some subspecies and closely related species that are generally accepted such as the Borneo Crawler (Dryambulus borneoensis) and Philippine Crawler (Dryambulus philippinensis)
Behavior and Ecology
Pale Crawlers are not typically aggressive toward humans though they are very defensive and wary, screaming and often charging at humans if they feel threatened which is often misconstrued as aggression.
Crawlers are primarily arboreal using their long limbs and sharp claws to effortlessly move through canopy both to find food and escape predators.
Pale Crawlers are intelligent and curious creatures that often investigate humans they come across, occasionally even mistaking people for another crawler.
Even though they typically live and forage alone, Crawlers are quite social animals that enjoy the company of their own species.
When meeting a new crawler they will stop and squeak at each other in order to make sure that both parties are willing to socialize. Which may appear to any humans mistaken for a crawler as unnerving staring.
Pale Crawlers are omnivorous however they only feed upon small creatures they can easily fit into their mouths, such as rodents, frogs, lizards and insects as well as nuts, berries and mushrooms. They will also feed on carrion, human garbage and other human foods they may try to swipe from unguarded locations.
Pale Crawlers generally only give birth to a single offspring, though twins are occasionally born. Crawlers are highly invested parents to their young, with both parents taking care of the baby for up to 5 years.
Conservation
Due to their high adaptability and tolerance of human presence. Pale Crawlers are not endangered, and are rated as a Least Concern species.
Due to their lack of any notable supernatural properties or other valuable resources produced within their body the Pale Crawler is not targeted by Cryptid Hunters in any meaningful capacity. Only occasionally being trapped to be sold as curiosity at zoos, menageries or Cryptid Collections.