Dilong- Earth Species

Status- Extinct on Argo, Rare on Earth

Literally the Chinese meaning for Earth Dragon, the Dilong is much closer to it's more aquatic cousin, the Merdag, than other EArth-related species. Dilongs are sometimes known as Forest dragons (note- the Forest dragon of the Animal Plante series is soley their property, but this dragon is mine, despite looking identical). This dragon was also an alien species from Earth. But unlike the Merdag, Dilongs didn't suffer as cruel a fate. Instead, the last individuals to have been spared from hunter hands were relocated back to their home of origin, Earth.

The ancestors of Dilongs crawled out of the sea millions of years ago and onto land. And while Merdags evolved a more massive, slicker body, Dilongs have grown slimmer and more serpent-like, an adaptation that has served them well in life in the sea, and will continue to help them on land. Their 20 foot long body features give them a better advantage living in bamboo rainforests, as they could move better and faster than it's therapod relatives. Dilongs are usually green with greenish, brown, and white stripes to help break up its outline in dappled forests where sunlight is filtered through the trees. They are perfectly adapted to living in the forest, and specialize in hunting small game.

Dilongs are solitary dragons, and only come together when finding a mate. They often avoid contact with other dragons. From it's water-loving ancestors, Dilongs have retained their double horns, growing a smaller pair in between the larger ones. And unlike Merdags, Dilongs evolved to keep their wings, which are vistigal compared to it's terrestrial cousins, and not much use for flight in its thick forest home. They are, however, used for gliding short distances, aided by the dragon's hydrogen-filled gut. They, too, breather fire, but it is used maily as a tool to scortch their kills clean as to not risk swallowing anything that could pierce or lodge their throats. Like Merdags, Dilongs have dewlaps that are for showing off to mates or confusing potential predators.

Males and females are the same in shape, color, and ornimentation. It is noted that males are slightly larger, and have longer horns. When seeking out a mate, the female Dilong wanders into the male's territory as he presents a fresh kill for her as a gift. After eating the kill, the female is usually less agressive, yet still cautious. Once successfully mated, the female and male will remain together for as long as the male provides kills and various objects like rocks for a nest in which the eggs will be laid in. Males usually stick around until the eggs hatch after two months. The young dragons are almost miniature versions of their parents, and leave their mothers when they are about six years old.

Dilongs were once a sacred dragon in Argo, as they appear as a symbol of goodluck and wealth. Their lifespans can reach up to 700 years, and one reported record was a 776 years male.