Entry for  kitsubaka's bi-weekly beastie contest.
See her journal for more info

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The 'Devourer' is a recently discovered type of creature.
Currently it's unkown whether this is an alien lifeform or an evolution of an existing species.

The devourer tends to be sighted near an oasis or similar place with animal activity.
Many have said it resembles the larval form on the antlion because they seem to use the same hunting tactics. Both wait below the surface and wait for a prey to eter their area.

Unlike the antlion however, this 'Devourer' doesn't dig a pit but instead attacks with two massive claws featuring sharp claws. Usually it latches onto it's victim with both claws and uses the other, much smaller legs to crawl above the sand and feed.

Although it's main claws are impressive weapons, the most dangerous are two razor sharp fangs located under it's head (or on the sides). These fangs are hollow and used to inject a toxic into it's prey's body. Upon closer examination, this toxic fluid is so potent it can stun an adult lion in about 20 seconds.

Researchers believe that it uses the feeler antennae on it's head to detect when a suitable prey is nearby.
The softer lower body of the 'Devourer' serves to store food and the 'hairs' are a way to regulate it's body temperature. This way it can counter the heat of the day and the cold of the night, it doesn't need to move around as much and can stay in one place as long as it can eat something decent every month.

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TLDR List:
- Hard exoskeleton to protect the thorax.
- Mutliple strong claws to grab and hold a prey.
- Hollow fangs to inject venom.
- Big, soft body to store food and regulate it's temperature.
- Ability to dig and move under the sand.
- Can remain stationary for very long times as long as there's food available now and then.