Avolia

Though all Avesia are equipped with wings and lightweight tissue, not all fly.  Members of the Family Avolia are adapted to a life on the surface, their articulate tails having become highly specialized to their lifestyles.  Referred to as ‘Ahuizotls’, some species lurk in fresh water shallows, waiting for prey to come close so they can reach out and grab it with the spiny, finger-like flaps of their tails.  They then hold their catch beneath the water until it drowns and they are free to eat at their leisure.  Avolia species living on forest or canyon floors, however, have transformed their tail into a ranged weapon that slings venom-packed bone-like flechettes.  Due to the high biological price of manufacturing such ammunition, Odinian ‘Manticores’ have become extremely adept at hitting their target on the first try, their deadly skill allowing them to become distinctly colored with green and luminescent white.