SPIDERLOAF - TIMELINE #29985754
Added 2023-03-28 14:00:06 +0000 UTC(Timeline Tuesday #87)
Spiderloafs behave and have a similar appearance to the arachnids of our timeline, although they cannot technically be classified in this manner. They feature oval bodies from which eight long legs sprout, sturdy and sharp. These bodies have a subtle range of shades that linger between tan and brown. Their heads are flat and feature six clustered eye that shine with a luminous red hue.
This species has an average size of approximately six inches in length, although larger spiderloafs have been reported. It is believed they can grow to almost two feet long, but a spiderloaf of this stature has yet to be captured alive.
The body of a spiderloaf is made entirely of a soft bread, hard and flaky on the outside and soft within. The shell of the creature slowly hardens with age, drying out and becoming incredibly firm by the time spiderloafs reach maturity. Unfortunately, this still leaves young spiderloafs as a target for several predators, not the least of which are humans.
But spiderloafs are not without defenses. The bite of this creature is extremely painful, its sting lasting up to a week and producing a large welt. Topical steroids or antibiotics are often used to treat the wound, but If left untreated the victim’s flesh will gradually turn to bread.
The web strands of a spiderloaf are quite unusual. They are sticky, perfect for constructing webs in a similar fashion to natural spiders, but they also serve as a delicious treat for those brave enough to gather them. Boiled strands of spiderloaf web eventually lose their stickiness and become a delicious pasta-like meal.
