Horned Octopode (Cornucephalos octopoda)

Octopodes are big, armored eight-legged animals that inhabit cold deserts and steppes. They use their horns for defense and combat, while the downwards projection on its chin is useful for uprooting succulent tubers and roots.

The entire back of the Octopode is protected by a jointed chitinous armor, providing limited movement but high defense. The Octopode’s legs don’t have bones, instead they are supported by cartillagenous rings and filled with fluid. They move by means of a hydraulic system.

The hardy Hand-of-the-Desert plant is the Octopode’s favorite food. Being immune to the plant’s toxins, its tuber provides the Octopode with all the moisture it needs.

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This is the second organism out of six that I created for a very cool ongoing project created by Tyler Rhodes! It’s based around teaching evolution to kids in a very creative way, and I was one of the artists tasked with bringing some children doodles to life. Stay tuned for the others throughout this week!

My Patreons got to see these creatures before anyone else! If you enjoy my work and would like to see sketches, step-by-step process, exclusive content and even earn a print or commission, consider supporting me on Patreon!

