E. papilio are unique creatures that we are continually learning about. They resemble miniscule equines with traits of various insects displayed to varying degrees with each specimen. Interestingly, they also appear to have bones replaced with assorted minerals, which is evidenced most obviously in their hooves and, occasionally, horns. The color is often reflected in the eyes, though there are exceptions. Gaining the trust of an E. papilio is a labor of love, and an indicator that the surrounding area is a decidedly healthy environment. E. papilio are particular about the plants and features of the areas they inhabit, and will demonstrate preferences for certain resources. Planting different varieties of flowers herbs is one method the Center uses for attracting new subtypes of E. papilio.
Genetics
Previous editions of Equus papilio relied on real life equine genetics. V.2 Is more flexible and unnatural colors are allowed/encouraged. Solid colors are the most common, with dual and tri-color gradients also existing with increasing rarity.
Offspring coats will be some combination of the parent's hex codes.
Offspring markings will pass based on rarities.
Eye color with be a 50/50 chance between parents.
Minerals will pass based on rarity.
Insect wings/antenna/horns/etc will pass based on rarity.
Resources for Insect References (non-exhaustive)
Butterflies
Moths
Dragonflies
Visual Mineral References
By color
Trait Rarities
Key
Common (c) - Default, will pass 100% of the time if no other options
Uncommon (u) - 50% chance of overriding Common traits
Rare (r) - 25% chance of overriding Common traits
Special (s) - 10% chance of passing to offspring, unavailable on Free Adopts
Common (c) - Default, will pass 100% of the time if no other options
Uncommon (u) - 50% chance of overriding Common traits
Rare (r) - 25% chance of overriding Common traits
Special (s) - 10% chance of passing to offspring, unavailable on Free Adopts
Legs
4 (c)
6 (u)
Wing Type
Butterfly (c)
Moth (u)
Dragonfly (r)
Other (s)
Head
None (c)
Butterfly Antennae (u)
Horn (u)
Moth Antennae (r)
Body
Clean (c)
Feathering (u)
Moth Fluff (r)
Eyes
Matching Hooves (c)
Non-Matching (u)
Heterochromia (r)
E. papilio are currently under research and it is expected that new genes will be discovered as progress is made.
