Animal Powers
Flash the tongue.
Animals grouped here express a similar power through their behavior in nature. Each species still has its own principle, lesson, meaning, and field-guide page.
4 species
Species principle: Bluff
Flash the tongue.
A sudden signal can end a fight before it begins.
Blue-tongued Skinks use a bright blue tongue display, body flattening, hissing, and open-mouth postures to startle or warn predators when threatened.
Species principle: Hood Bluff
Widen the warning.
A well-timed warning can make danger hesitate before force is needed.
False Water Cobras flatten the neck in a cobra-like display and use size, movement, and rear-fanged venom as part of their defensive and predatory strategy.
Species principle: Territorial Bluff
Open wide.
Defend the small space that keeps your life intact.
Sarcastic Fringeheads occupy shelters such as crevices or shells and use dramatic mouth-gaping contests to settle territorial disputes.
Species principle: Death-Feigning Theater
Play the part.
A performance can become protection when danger believes the act.
Western Hognose Snakes use dramatic defensive displays, including hissing, flattening, mock strikes, and sometimes playing dead with rolled posture and open mouth.
