this cute little guy is a young dragon named Dante. Dante just so happens to be the cutest, youngest cub in his family - and also the most mischievous! he has caused his mother many a head-ache by wandering off where he shouldn't just to investigate something. here we see his first picture ever taken, and i think it captures his personality greatly.

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i got the image in my head for this picture as i was falling asleep one night, and i just couldn't shake it. finally i made the time to get it out onto my computer screen, and i'm glad i did. this was a good practice in capturing as much emotion as possible without outright saying, "this is a curious dragon baby."

expect more of these soon, because i really enjoyed it!

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baby Gaddala (my version of dragons) when they are born have very different markings than when they are adults. the markings on male Gaddala cubs generally remain the same throughout their life - so Dante will end up keeping those cute freckles on his chin. however, their dark colors tend to get darker, and their light colors tend to get lighter.

female Gaddala cubs' markings are totally different than their adult forms. their markings start out spotty and splotchy like a males', but over time "smooth out" until they are generally smooth gradients. as well, females develop bright markings that are different colors from their main coloration during puberty.

1/9/12 - put in scraps