Traits

While Xeros typically feature a static pupil, their flexible biology can be manipulated to overcome this limitation. By altering the smooth muscles of the eye, the collarette can be reshaped effectively, changing the shape until desired.

Tufted Ears are a common mutation observed on Xeros. These ears can be any shape or size, but feature tufts of longer fur at the tips. This adaptation may have allowed Xeros to more easily determine wind direction and stay downwind of danger.

Frilled Ears are a rare mutation observed on Xeros. They have a grooved outer edge, giving them a jagged or wing-like appearance.  

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

These ears are unique to Hollow Xeros, and while they fit the shapes and sizes you expect from a standard Xero, they do have an adaptation unique to their type. The ear's interior cartilage is ridged, acting as a type of acoustic focusing lens to help sharpen sounds for positional accuracy in the dark. Hollow ears can be a solid color, or have a gradient of changing colors within the different segments. The ridges within the ear must be present.

Floppy Ears are a common mutation observed on Xeros. These ears can be perky like the above example, fully flopped like a labrador's ears, or even longer flopped ears like a lop rabbit's. 

Desert Xeros can have larger than average ears to radiate heat, this trait is known as Desert Ears. 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.

Tundra Xeros can have extremely fluffy ears called Tundra 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!

Warning: this is still highly experimental, results my vary.

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 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.

Eating a certain berry can trigger the skin of a Xero to build new amino structures, mimicking the microscopic elements present in the jewel berry and presenting a metallic like sheen similar in refractive performance. This rare mutation gives Xeros the dazzle trait; shiny, metallic, or glittery flesh, presenting itself on the insides of their ears, tongue, paw pads, and pouch. It can also sometimes give them glittery or shiny markings in their fur!

Horns are a somewhat uncommon trait for a Xero to have; these protrusions are hard, shiny, and slightly translucent, just like the Xero's claws. Much like the antennae, horns can be many different shapes and lengths, and can be present on the head, back, tail, and other places, such as on the cheeks, top of the snout, or on the back of the limbs. 

Saber fangs are a very rare mutation to see on a Xero. These long canines protrude much further from the Xero's mouth than is normal for their species. This can give them a rather intimidating appearance!

It is very rare to see a Xero with slimy skin. Xeros with this trait have extra slimy skin, coated with protective mucus. The slime only affects areas of visible skin, such as their inner ears, paw pads, and tongue. This trait could be combined with the Hairless trait to have slimy skin on other areas of the body.

How did that happen?! Xeros aren't normally supposed to have more than two arms, two legs, two ears, two eyes, and one tail, but this mutation is anything but normal. By using a Glitch Vial on a Xero that has the "Glitched" status, you can add one extra pair of something normally found in pairs (such as an extra pair of ears or an extra pair of arms) or one of something normally only found once, like one extra tail. To add more, you will have to use more glitch vials!

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.

Some Xeros may have retractable claws; however this is a not a common adaptation. These claws are slightly more pointy than the standard Xero claws, but are otherwise exactly the same when not retracted inside. When not in use, they just show up as simple slits on the paws, sometimes hidden by the fur.

Antennae are the most common trait displayed by Xeros. These sensitive feelers enhance a Xero's senses and help them navigate in difficult environments. The antennae can be many different lengths, and can be present on the head, back, tail, or on the cheeks like "whiskers".

Venomous Xeros are quite rare, and not very much is currently known about why some feature this trait. Scientists speculate that it is a leftover adaptation from their previously insectivorous lifestyle. Venomous Xeros have a pair of modified saliva glands that can deliver venom through grooves in their upper canine teeth. However, they have complete control over these glands, and are able to produce regular saliva the majority of the time, so it does not negatively impact their lives in any way. Even Xeros who do not posess venom are immune to its affects, so there is no cause for concern!

The most notable visual feature of venomous Xeros is that their flesh is a fully saturated, neon color, to serve as a warning of their toxins. They also feature neon-colored markings surrounded with a dark outline for high contrast. These markings can be any shape, such as stripes, spots, rosettes, stars, and more.