Swalupods are a predatory species native to [PLANET]

Swalupods are a soft body creature that is simplistic in appearance. Greenish in colour, their body is almost devoid of features, describable as a ‘squishy green tube’. About a meter tall, and half that thick, one would be forgiven in thinking they are quite harmless. At the bottom of the creature, a set of eight long, thin tendrils covered in tiny barbs allow it to move, whilst at the top, a mouth the width of it’s body sits, a ring of small hook-like teeth just past the rim of it’s lips. Around this head, are four ‘wings’, that it can use to fly.

Most curiously about the creature, is how it consumes food. Prey small enough to be ingested, will be consumed and broken down by an internal stomach, before contributing to the mass of the creature with waste products being ejected through the mouth, however the creature can consume larger prey.

Prey too large to be taken in, will instead find themselves wrapped up within the creature’s wings. These wings form a air-tight seal around the victim, and will then excrete digestive fluids along their surface. These wings will then draw in, contracting and grinding the victim until enough has been digested that it can be ingested into the internal stomach. It’s to be noted that these wings are quite resilient to sharp tools or weapons, as to prevent prey from clawing or biting it’s way free.

Most commonly, the creature will lie in wait, flattened against a surface, with it’s skin becoming almost translucent. When prey is in reach, it will strike with it’s wings to ensnare. Prey outside of reach aren’t safe either, as it’s ‘teeth’ are attached to retractable tendrils, that can be launched out to ensnare prey further away.

The creatures produce asexually, however require a host to house their young. As they collect mass, the creatures will create “seeds” within themselves, almost akin to eggs. These seeds will then be laid via an ovipositor-like apparatus into a victim that has been ensnared. Most commonly, it will lay it within a female’s passage, but will take any available passage if need be. These seeds are acid resistant, so will survive most creature’s guts.

The victim will be pulled into the ‘inner stomach’ of the creature, in which a pouch hidden at the bottom will open, revealing the apparatus. Once laid, these seeds will “take root”, receiving nutrition from the victim until it is ready to be birthed, similar to how a parasite would feed upon a host.

The creatures are often found in swampy areas, and prefer humid climates, often drying out in hotter environments.