You have some really good photos.

Thank you! It really is the subject matter, not the picture-taker. :)

I still wonder if the critters use their antennae to "Faz" or at least feel certain vibrations.

In the Skiltaire Lexicon:

The antennae are mutated eye-whiskers. They are protein-case cells that link together, with a thin tendons and nerve endings running inside the hallow shell parts. The tendons are controlled by muscles in the scalp, which can extend or retract the antennae, based on various stimulus. They extend when the skiltaire is using them for it's electrostatic motion sensing ability. The "flaccid" form, folded or curled is designed to get the antennae out of the way from obstacles while the skiltaire is in motion (running, crawling, climbing or swimming). Sections of the antenna may fold like a cantilever (typical of an aquatic form), or curl in a tight spiral (typical for an arboreal form). However, the way an antenna folds and extends can vary between individuals. The hinged cells have slight barbs which facilitate linking when used for mutual bonding/mating stimulus. If the protein cells are damaged, and the tendons and nerve endings are severed, these sections can and usually will grow back, though it takes as long as a year for part of a broken antenna to grow back. If the base area of the antennae is damaged, the antenna may be lost permanently.

The main evolutionary purpose for the antenna is to improve the directivity and sensitivity of the passive and active motion sense ability. Passively, the antenna can detect minute movements in the air via slight differences in the dielectric potential of the air molecules. In active mode, the skiltaire will charge the air with it's natural bio-electric energy, a variable (controllable) frequency pulsed-DC current that is produced in a trans-dermal layer of specialized fat which covers most of the body area. This fatty tissue can produce quite high voltage (much like Earth electric eels), and also works well as an insulator to protect the nervous system and internal organs. Skiltaire are pretty much immune to electric shock unless their hide is pierced. The pulsed electric field produced when a skiltaire is "scanning" radiates form the body to charge the air around them. A "map" of stationary objects in approximately a 30M circle can be interpreted, and any movement in that range, no matter how minute, creates dialectic differences which the antenna can pick up, and the brain can process. The accuracy for an adult is similar to Earth dolphin's natural "sonar". The antennae do not generate the field, but help disperse it, and act as steerable receptors.

Antennae have another purpose, obviously a part of behavior that has evolved over time. Skiltaire, like many other carnivorous mammals that live in places with extreme climate range, have delayed implantation of fertilized eggs in the uterus. This allows precise control of gestation (to avoid young being born in bad weather times), or automatic abortion if the females body senses it may be unsafe to take a fetus to term. Along with delayed implantation, the concept of stimulation induced ovulation adds another layer of control to the skiltaire reproductive system. This "induced ovulation" can be observed in Earth mammals (weasels, marten, fisher, cats, some canines), and usually involves a rough courtship ritual, mating and typically a neck or muzzle bite, usually the male will bite the female, but this is not always the case. The skiltaire have refined this technique by using their bio-electric generation and sense to create the stimulus to induce ovulation. Mated pairs and breeding groups can develop special "codes" to precisely control fertility.
Skiltaire that allow others to actually get close enough to allow antennae linking and electric pulse communication are often bonded socially, as that kind of contact is considered intimate, whether they are breeding or not.

Fascinating. And the cross shaped eye pupils? Are those "Normal" or was it just a feature of the costume? I can understand how such a set up would work, as say similar to the compound eyes of the Pistol Shrimp are adapted to quickly sensing motion on the flat, sandy sea bottom. Forgive me for being intrusive. It's just that I've always found the creatures interesting, and I enjoy learning more about them. Besides, it's a real "Charge" (If you'll forgive the expression.) to see and meet a Fursuit based on a character which one has created.

Skiltaire have 4-pointed star-shaped pupils, with sharp points, whihc you cna see in bright-light situations. In low light, the star opens almost entirely, so you'll see the dilated pupil,a dn the "reflective" effect of the eye amplifying light, like a cat's eye.

Skiltaek said he was going for a more "toony" look with his pupils, so the star became more of a cross-shape.

I added this to the Wikifur article on skiltaire. :)

http://en.wikifur.com/wiki/Skiltaire

Thank you. I can write stuff like that sometimes...
Wish I could predict when...

Did you see the Firepaws fursuit that was made 2 years ago (I think)? It made an appearance at FC. Got a link at http://www.mobypicture.com/user/nev.....e/view/5906638

Yes, and I have also seen Ostrich's "Lenya" fursuit.

This is simply adorable glad I got to see it at califur ^^

Yay! And more pics behind the link! Issa cyootesuit. :)

Oh, how I would love to make a skiltaire suit...