Animal Qualities
Flash the tongue.
Animals grouped here express a similar quality through their behavior in nature. Each species still has its own principle, lesson, meaning, and field-guide page.
6 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 Warning
Raise the line.
Make the line visible before conflict grows.
Egyptian cobras raise the front body and spread a hood as a warning display before striking or retreating.
Species principle: Command
Raise the hood.
Presence can end a conflict before the strike is needed.
King Cobras raise the front of the body, spread a hood, and give warning displays. They are large venomous snakes that also prey on other snakes.
Species principle: Hooded Warning
Show the hood.
A clear warning can end a fight before it begins.
Monocled Cobras raise the body, spread a hood with a monocle-like marking, and use venomous defense when threatened.
Species principle: Boundary
Warn before war.
The cleanest conflict is the one your warning prevents.
Striped Skunks usually warn before spraying. Tail raising, stamping, posture, and their bold stripe pattern give threats a chance to retreat before the skunk uses chemical defense.
Species principle: Warning
Show the stripe.
A clear signal can end trouble before strength is tested.
Zorillas, also called striped polecats, use bold black-and-white warning coloration and powerful anal scent glands to deter predators before direct conflict is needed.
