Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Dragon of the Month: Firewing Amphiptere

Firewing Amphiptere
Amphipterus viperapennigus

Size: 5'
Wingspan: 5'
Recognition: Long snake body, bright red and orange markings on wings
Habitat: North Eastern United States.
Classification: Draco/Aerodraciforme/Amphipteridae
/Amphipterus/a. viperapennigus





The Firewing Amphiptere is one of the hundreds of amphipterae that are native to North America, and has long been a common sight in its native habitats of the woods in the Appalachian mountains of New England. This medium sized amphiptere hunts for mice and insects in the woods stretching from the Blue Ridge mountains in the south to the Berkshire mountains in the North.

Today, with much of their natural habitat threatened by development the firewing has adapted to its new surroundings. In urban centers like New York City it has made a new home hunting the rats and pigeons that populate the city's streets and parks. Nesting in high eaves of skyscapers and apartment buildings, the firewing is a much beloved addition to city life.
below: Historic images of the Amphiptere:






















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©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

3 comments:

  1. I see you have forgotten to mention my favourite species of dragon, the Crested British Amphiptere. I have always loved that beautiful mix of colours glimmering over it's scaly skin, those beautiful feathers stretching out like a peacock. They are incredibly rare and deserve more attention lest we lose them to extinction by ignorance. For more, check out the blog ShukerNature - the most recent post features them extensively.

    All the best, The Thinker

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    Replies
    1. It isn't the most recent post anymore, but, well, just check it out. The same person also wrote From flying Toads to Snakes with Wings. The titular "snakes with wings" are amphitheres.

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  2. I love the Vulcan amphiptere

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