Subtypes

More information about Xero features as a whole can be found on the Species page.

These Xeros are specially made to thrive in hotter, drier climates, and their exclusive traits reflect this. They often have warm toned color palettes that are lighter in coloration; it would be rare to see a mostly black or dark brown Desert Xero as that would absorb too much heat. They are the smallest of the Xero subspecies, averaging only 3 feet tall (90 cm).

They currently have two unique features that can only be found on this subtype: 

• Desert Ears: Desert Xeros can have larger than average ears to radiate heat. They can be any shape (pointy fennec-like, rounded jackrabbit-like, etc.) Size can vary a bit, but is generally about 1.5 to 2x the height of the head.
  

• Desert Tails: Desert Xeros can have thick, fat tails like a gecko to store fat and water. Size & shape can vary, but think of a thick leopard gecko-like tail, or a big squishy tail reminiscent of a caterpillar or grub.

However, these traits do not have to be present on every single Desert Xero, they can have standard ears and a Desert Tail, or Desert Ears with a standard tail, or both standard features, but just a smaller stature.

Tundra Xeros are specially made to thrive in cold, arctic conditions. They often have cool-toned color palettes or designs with a large amount of off-white markings. It would be rare to see a mostly dark-colored Tundra Xero. They are the largest of the subtypes, averaging about 6 feet tall (183 cm). 

They currently have two unique features that can only be found on this subtype:

• Tundra Ears: Tundra Xeros can have extremely fluffy ears, the fluff is so long that the tufts of fur inside cover most or all of the visible skin and hangs outside the ears!
  

• Tundra Fur: Tundra Xeros can have extra fluffy fur. Often shown as a super fluffy neck and chest area like a mane, but can also be extra fluffy on the undersides of the limbs, the tail, sides of the face, etc.

However, these traits do not have to be present on every single Tundra Xero, they can have standard ears and Tundra Fur, or Tundra Ears with regular fur, or both standard features, but just a larger stature.

These Xeros are specially made to thrive in aquatic environments, and their exclusive traits reflect this. However, they are more amphibious than fully aquatic; they do not have gills and must breathe air, and can still walk perfectly fine on land. All Marine Xeros have webbed paws, and short, sleek fur. They are less fluffy than the other subspecies.

They currently have two unique features that can only be found on this subtype: 

• Marine Ears: Marine Xeros can have extra small ears, or no visible ear flaps at all. This adaptation helps them be more streamlined underwater.

• Marine Fins: Marine Xeros can have fins of any sort on various parts of their bodies. Fins can include whale-like dorsal fins and flukes, shark or fish-like tails, or any other sort of webbed fin. Fins can be located on their backs, tails, backs of their limbs, or even in place of their ears.

However, these traits do not have to be present on every single Marine Xero, they can have standard ears and Marine Fins, or Marine Ears with no fins at all, or both standard features, but just sleek fur and webbed paws.

Hollow Xeros are specially adapted to dark, subterranean environments such as caves, underground burrows, and especially dark habitats. Notable features include adapted eyes for navigating low-light conditions and highly sensitive ridged ears for superior hearing in such environments. In addition, Hollow Xeros feature slightly larger claws to enable efficient burrowing.

They currently have two unique features that can only be found on this subtype:

• Hollow Ears: Hollow Xeros can have ridged ears, similar to a bat's. These ears can have darker ridges, or a gradient of colors within the different segments. These are the only kind of ear that can have gradients of different  colors within them.

• Hollow Eyes: Hollow Xeros can have fully dark eyes with enlarged pupils. These eyes are dark and shiny, with their eye color reflected along the bottom.

However, these traits do not have to be present on every single Hollow Xero, they can have standard ears and Hollow Eyes, or Hollow Ears with regular eyes, or both standard features, but just larger claws.

Savannah Xeros are specially adapted to run fast in their native grasslands and protect themselves from the elements of that environment. Notable features include a mane to protect their backs from UV damage caused by the hot sun and Hooves that help them navigate the rocky hills and sweeping stretches of land. In addition, Savannah Xeros feature longer limbs to allow them to run faster and see over tall grass easier.

They currently have two unique features that can only be found on this subtype:

• Savannah Mane: A long fluffy mane that can cover part or all of a Xero’s back, or even go onto their tail! The primary purpose of the mane is to protect the Xero’s back from UV damage from the sun, since there is not a lot of shade on the open grasslands this trait evolved on. Plus, it also serves as a fashion statement.

• Savannah Hooves: An adaptation for moving swiftly on wide-open grasslands. These hooves are rounded, modified claws whose purpose is to protect the Xeros feet from rocks and difficult terrain while running. Since these hooves can see some extra wear and tear it is recommended to clean them out daily. 

These traits do not have to be present on every single Savannah Xero, however, every Savannah Xero must have the exclusive subtype trait Long Limbs. 

Jungle Xeros are specially made to thrive in heavily forested environments, and their exclusive traits reflect this. In general, they're a bit smaller and lighter than most Standard Xeros, with an average height of about 3.5 feet or 106 cm. They also have extra-long sticky tongues, perfect for lapping up their favorite treat: fresh flower nectar!

They currently have two unique features that can only be found on this subtype: 

• Jungle Camouflage: Jungle Xeros can be mixotrophs, that is, they can grow plant structures to photosynthesize! This can include things such as leaves and flowers, which can be located anywhere on the Xero's body. This also helps them blend in with their leafy surroundings.

• Jungle Patagia: Jungle Xeros can have patagia - that is, loose flaps of skin connecting from each wrist to hip. These patagia allow the Xeros to glide short distances, such as from tree to tree, or slow their fall like a parachute. Much like the patagia of a flying squirrel, they are extended with the aid of specialized wrist bones and the loose skin can fold up against the body when not in use.

However, these traits do not have to be present on every single Jungle Xero, they can have just one or the other, or not have either and just have the longer tongue!

Woodland Xeros are adapted to an arboreal lifestyle of climbing trees and hiding in tree hollows. With their lithe bodies and their special paw pads they are perfectly suited for gripping onto all kinds of surfaces and squeezing into tight spaces. Woodland Xeros love being up high and many have been found napping by wrapping their bodies around tree trunks or branches. However, their long bodies mean they cannot easily walk on two legs and instead get around on all fours most of the time.

They currently have two unique features that can only be found on this subtype:

• Woodland Pads: Flat pads that cover the entire palm and sole of their paws allow Woodland Xeros to grip onto bark and foliage with ease while climbing, allowing them to get to higher elevations quicker. These pads are covered in the same setae as standard Xero paws, but the higher coverage gives them enhanced grip.

• Woodland Tail: A Woodland Xero's long tail is the perfect counterweight to help them balance up in the trees. They're also extremely handy in helping them wrap around tree trunks and branches when climbing. While useful for traversal, some Woodland Xeros have found that it can cause quite a tripping hazard in their day to day lives.

These traits do not have to be present on every single Woodland Xero, however, every Woodland Xero must have the exclusive subtype trait Long Body. 

Prototypes are the first Xeros that were created, and as such, many of them feature unusual glitches or traits not found in later Xeros.