Spectre

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Spectre are a huge predatory species of spectral bat; or false-vampire bat. They are the apex predator in the majority of the regions they inhabit, and in general are considered one of the most dangerous creatures alive by most humans. Being a product of Mother Nature's apocalypse, they've lived on Earth for approximately 1,100 years.

Description

In a lot of ways, Spectre resemble their much smaller cousin; the spectral bat, only exponentially bigger. The majority of a Spectre's body is covered in a coat of short fur that is usually in a pale grayish color, with the exceptions being their faces, ears, and wings which are largely hairless. Spectre are noticeably massive, being the largest flying animal to have ever lived alongside humans. On average, Spectre are around 10.5 feet tall, 17-18 feet long, and around 800 pounds, in addition to a wingspan that is around 37-40 feet in total length. Spectre possess large ears and as a result their hearing is exceptional. They also possess nose-leaves; a flap of flesh on the tip of their snouts that function similar to satellite dishes.

Ecology and Biology

Diet and Foraging

Due to their huge size, there are very few creatures that are off the menu for an adult Spectre, and just about every animal that is sheep-sized or larger can be considered fair game, including humans. Adult mastodon and rhinoceros are the only large animals that are not commonly prey of Spectre.

Spectre general hunt aerial prey by climbing to an altitude above that of their intended prey item before entering into a divebomb in order to grab their prey or at least knock it out of the air. When it comes to terrestrial prey, Spectre usually always attack from above, performing a stunt that resembles a strafing run. Lighter prey is typically plucked right off the ground by a Spectre on the fly, but if that fails it may attempt to give chase on foot. Heavier prey is usually either killed by an airborn Spectre and eaten on the ground, or if this fails the Spectre may once again attempt to chase it's prey on foot and bring it to the ground. Spectre usually kill prey with their very powerful biteforce before they go about consuming it. If a Spectre catches you but it doesn't kill you before or shortly after takeoff, it is likely taking you back to its roost in order for the Spectre to use you as hunting practice for their pups; an arguably even worse fate.

Life Cycle

Spectre are born hairless and blind. As a result they spend the first few weeks of their lives clinging to their mothers until they develop the ability to see and move on their own, even then they stay close to their parents. Spectre spend the first 3 months of their lives nursing on their mothers milk until they develop the ability to digest meat, in which case their parents will take turns bringing prey back for them. Spectre are capable of flight by a year and a half old, which is when they begin joining their parents in foraging for food at night. Spectre spend the next 2 years with their parents before going off on their own. Adolescent and subadult Spectre often form small groups to cooperate in hunting, before disbanding them to form their own territories at the age of 7. Being one of very few monogamous bats, adult Spectre will usually find a partner whom they'll likely spend the rest of their life with. While partnerships between mature males and mature females are most common, partnerships between mature individuals of the same-sex have also been recorded on multiple occasions, though these instances are less common.

Behaviour

Spectre are generally very territorial and aggressive animals. This coupled with their status as apex predators leads many organizations such as the Shrouded Rangers to label them as one of the most dangerous animals alive to a human. Humans are considered usual prey by Spectre, but its also been thought that Spectre inherently view humans as threats and therefore will attempt to eliminate most humans they see, even if they've fed recently. There is also evidence to suggest Spectre can remember individual appearances for years and are capable of holding a grudge.

Conservation

Spectre are highly successful predators and are not thought to be at any risk of extinction anytime soon. Humans are the only species that seem to pose a risk to the life of a Spectre, but even then most big game hunters find Spectre way too difficult and dangerous to try and kill.

Natural Abilities

Jaws - Spectre possess many very sharp teeth, as well as a biteforce easily strong enough to crush a fully grown human.
- Flight - Spectre can fly for long periods of time to cover great distances. Flight also allows them to search for potential prey and catch it off-guard.
Echolocation - Spectre possess very precise echolocation abilities, this allows them to easily locate prey and potential rivals that may be around them.

Trivia

Spectre take inspiration from the Shenlongsaurus, a fictional descendant of the dinosaur yi-qi that created by the artist and writer Archesuchus who created it for the internet ARG series Weird Birds.
- Like the Spectre, the Shenlongsaurus is also a large aerial apex carnivore capable of moving aerially and terrestrially.
The Spectre is one of the main mascots of Fogwalkers.
Spectre are probably the animal humans in the Fogwalker Universe fear the most.