Morphology

On Dragcave, there are many different species of dragons, both in the cave and unreleased. These, however, are broken up into larger categories, based of mythology and culture. Here is a list of different Dragon Sub-Types which you will see on the cave.

Western Dragon
This is basically the classical dragon. While it is likely that all of these Western dragon species are closely related, there are differences. For example, the rich flame of the European dragon is produced from combustible venom and that of a Knucker does not ignite at all (Knucker dragons are usually serpentine and will have small decorative wings they cannot actually fly with). Frost dragon venom is sprayed in a mist through Artic air that has a corrosive action similar to the effects of frost bite. Most species in the cave are European style dragons.


 * Examples: Red Dragon (European), Pumpkin Dragon (Knucker), Ice Dragon (Frost)

Eastern Dragon
These dragons have long serpentine bodies and legs, but no wings; instead they fly using magic. Unlike Western dragons, Eastern Dragons are portrayed as benevolent helpmeets to mankind. They originate from Asian culture and usually symbolize balance. Different kinds include Asian Lungs (Indonesian Lung that has 3 toes, Japanese Lung that has 4 toes and Chinese or Imperial Lung with 5 toes), Tibetan (smaller versions of Asian Lungs who live on high altitude mountains) and Lindworm (snake like but with front arms).


 * Examples: Silver (Indonesian Lung)

Wyvern Dragon
These look mostly like western dragons, with one key difference: they have no front legs/arms. Usually more bird like in appearance, they have only back legs and wings. They are also the largest form of dragon so they find it perfectly sufficient to just have two legs.


 * Examples: No Wyverns are in DragCave yet.

Wyrm Dragon
These are more like large snakes with very thick bodies, which have no limbs at all. They are sometimes shown with snake-like heads, sometimes more dragonic.


 * Examples: No Wyrms are in DragCave yet.

Draks/Drake Dragon
Drakes, or draks, in DragCave are regarded slightly differently than elsewhere. They tend to be smaller than most dragons, about the size of a dog. Unlike other dragons, they are not sapient or as smart. They have antlers, tend to be very calm unless bred to be otherwise and do not talk. They are shown to be more tame and easily trained. Dovealove, the creator of the first Draks, took the 'e' off to avoid confusion with the term as used elsewhere, although the description on the site has not been changed.


 * Examples: Ochredrake

Amphithere Dragon
These are often thought of as a mix between westerns and easterns, or a winged wyrm. They have long serpentine bodies, no arms or legs, but fly using wings. They are great fliers and tend to have feathers or furry bodies. It is said that the Phoenix is the missing link between the evolution of reptiles and the Amphithere dragons.


 * Examples: Skywing (non-feathered Amphithere)

Marsupial Dragon
The Marsupial dragon has powerful hind legs, small useless wings and small front arms. They have a thick tail that helps them keep their balance while running. Thought to be extinct, Marsupial dragons breathe blue smoke and often start bushfires to catch prey as they flee from the fire. The Marsupial dragon is also the only to rear it's young in a fiery pouch, one at a time, attached to its stomach much like the kangaroo. There is a Kangaroo Dragon in the Completed list.


 * Examples: No Marsupials are in DragCave yet.

These sub-types are open to different versions and will often be changed to suit the artists' needs and wants. Much of the information here was obtained from the Dragonology Book by Ernest Drake so please ask before claiming information here is incorrect to you.