Vesicaerids - Unlikely Airborn

Sharing a common ancestor with the Fulchibrachs, these "lofty bladder" equipped tripeds originally were herbivores, controlling the amount of "lighter than air" gases inside their dorsal and often-times cervical float-bladders to drift to foliage that other browsers either missed of could not reach themselves. With no real form of aerial propulsion, these early Vesicaerids stayed within the safety of the trees, as those who strayed from the forest were often at the mercy of the winds. They have become a common sight in the tightly packed forests and jungles of this planet, forcing most to become omnivorous, as to avoid competition for the same food sources. A few branches have evolved pelvic wings, allowing the group to spread out into the open.

Some lost their ability to fill the bladders with "LTA" gases, leaving the now earth-bound animals with impressive displays, as is common on this planet. Few tripeds are drab or boring, most rivaling terrestrial Birds of Paradise in their ability to visually stimulate, in some form or another. Most display fleshy frills and fins, bony spines and scutes, or membranous flaps and sails.

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I'm surprisingly pleased with this group, especially the last branches from the red (top left) and red-orange (bottom left) lines. They diversified more than I expected. Anyway, I'm almost done with the next clade, and 1/4th of the whole way through. Shoot me some questions yo.