The snivy evolutionary family consists of three members: Snivy (Ophioregalis phyllus), Servine (O. principus), and Serperior (O. intimidatus) (Figure 1). All three species are carnivorous ambush predators; due their small body size and unrefined hunting skills, the earliest stage of the lifecycle, O. phyllus, is primarily insectivorous. Ophioregalis are ectothermic, or ‘cold-blooded’ grass Pokémon that require energy from the Sun to facilitate normal metabolism. All three species are capable of supporting their diet with photosynthetic material. Ophioregalis phyllus is one of three starter Pokémon in the Unova region, and as such is an ideal Pokémon for beginner trainers.



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Habitat and Ecology

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 Many populations of O. phyllus are bred by humans in special raising facilities for the purpose of Pokémon training; domesticated Snivy are more placid than their wild relatives, however share most of the same attributes. Wild Ophioregalis are found in the tropical regions of Unova, preferring dense rainforests that allow them to camouflage, and hunt efficiently. The prey size of Ophioregalis changes proportionally with the organism as it grows. Ophioregalis phyllus consume insects, some Bug-typed Pokémon, and Pokémon eggs, effectively moderating populations of Pokémon in the ecosystem. The second stage of the family, O. principus, are mesopredators able to consume small to medium-sized Pokémon, such as Patrat and Woobat. The final evolution, O. intimidatus, is an apex predator and the largest carnivore in the Unova region. Due to their size and capacity to swallow large prey, Serperior are predators to a large proportion of Pokémon species that share their habitat. The oldest record of the Ophioregalis family is an O. phyllus skeleton dating back to ~110 MYA.





Evolution, Life History, Physiology, and Behaviour



​  Studying the behavioural and physiological changes that occur over the life history of Ophioregalis liberates insight into the evolution of the family. In the earliest stage of the lifecycle (Snivy) Ophioregalis (Figure 2) rely on small or slow moving prey; prey capture generally only occurs on the initial strike, as immature O. phyllus are inefficient pursuers of fleeing prey. Snivy hatch with vine-like structures that lie sub-dermally to the collar scales; using the photosynthetic products generated by the leafy structure on their tail, the ‘vines’ on O. phyllus are reinforced and develop into powerful offensive weapons (Figure to be inserted). As individual O. phyllus grow and mature, they become more efficient hunters, selecting shrubs and foliage that compliments their natural colouration. Experienced Snivy are adept users of their vines, using them to snare prey and manipulate their environment. These experienced individuals exhibit a cool, calm, and intelligent disposition; mature Snivy often have vivid yellow collar scales, which likely have a role in mate selection. In weeks prior to evolution, O. phyllus spend large amounts of time sunbathing in order to up regulate photosynthesis; the carbon compounds derived from this period are required to generate healthy dorsal leaves in the next stage of the organism’s lifecycle.

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  Servine, O. principus (Figure 4), is the evolved form of Snivy; morphologically, this species is very similar to the previous stage. Post metamorphosis, the forelimbs of Ophioregalis are notable reduced from arms, to three muscular digits protruding from the pectoral girdle. The reduction of forelimbs allows O. principus to pursue fast prey through the undergrowth of the jungle, allowing the predator to penetrate smaller dens and crevices without the obstruction of arms. The reduction of arms between evolutionary stages is an archetypal example of evolutionary development; primitive Ophioregalis whose genomes produced smaller arms must have been positively selected for, for their capacity to capture larger volumes of prey resulting, over evolutionary time, in the complete loss of arms in O. principus. Servine travel rapidly over fallen foliage by slithering on their ventral surface, using their hind legs to propel them forward. Ophioregalis are reproductively active prior to evolution, however mating primarily occurs during the second stage of the lifecycle. Over 80% of individuals from this species are male, thus there is heavy competition for females. Healthy, well fed individuals tend to produce more impressive, ornate collar scales than sick or immature individuals; the collar scale surface increases the amount of sunlight striking and thus warming Ophioregalis. It is likely that sexual selection has favoured Ophioregalis that are capable of producing these ornate scales, demonstrating skill at capturing prey. The skewed sex ratio may have arisen as an extreme refining force to produce the most efficient and striking Ophioregalis, weeding out suboptimal individuals. Evolution has thus favoured elaborate, vibrant scales that capture the attention of the opposite sex. The increased surface area for photosynthesis, provided by the dorsal leaves, allow Servine to generate more heat for vital bodily functions. Although capable of pursuing prey, Servine are more skilled at ambushing prey. When hunting, O. principus camouflage themselves amongst foliage, when prey is within striking distance, they burst out and stun the prey with their agility. At this stage in their lifecycle Ophioregalis are efficient at using their vines to capture and subdue prey for consumption. Ophioregalis principus commonly evolve into their final stage after having produced offspring.



  The final stage of the snivy family is Serperior, O. intimidatus (Figure 5); these organisms possess a regal demeanour and are highly skilled and confident predators. Fully grown Serperior are between 3 and 4 metres (~11’) in length, however some individuals have been found to grow up to 6 metres (19’8’’). The ornamental scales, and other aspects of O. intimidatus morphology, have evolved to resemble their habitat; their leaf-like forelimbs have become extremely modified for camouflage. Various ornate scales over the body of Serperior resemble the tropical vines and shrubs that they use to disguise their body whilst ambushing prey (Figure to be inserted). O. intimidatus have an extremely high prey capture rate, if an O. intimidatus is detected whilst in stealth mode it will strike an intimidating pose; commonly, the overwhelming shock of this manoeuvre causes the prey to freeze. Although selectively bred to be optimum companions, Serperior that belong to inept Pokémon trainers will often intimidate their trainer by striking this stance, inducing temporary paralysis. The intense glare of this Pokémon has influenced human folklore; many fables allude to the paralysis inducing glare of O. intimidatus. The characteristic leer of Serperior also influenced taxonomists in the naming of this species. In battle this Pokémon has a number of moves that leech energy from their opponent; parasitic vines, tendrils, and seeds are implanted in the opponent, transporting nutrients back to O. intimidatus. These Pokémon whip sharp projectile leaves from the end of their tail and are able to generate fierce storms of razor leaves. The fangs of Serperior are recessed at the back of their upper jaw, these are rarely displayed to their opponent. Ophioregalis intimidatus rarely dedicate themselves completely to battle, experienced individuals often hold back until they register an opponent as equivalent in skill and power; when battling a worthy opponent Serperior demonstrate their full potential.



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​Ability and Other Data​
 

Overgrow 

When the health or energy available to battle is limiting, the ferocity of Grass-typed moves increases, allowing Ophioregalis to triumph over the opponent.

Egg group - Field and Grass

​Resistances - Ground, Water, Grass, and Electric

Weaknesses - Flying, Poison, Bug, Fire, and Ice
Immunity to - none

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Figure 1: One of three starter families (Grass-type), the snivy family, Ophioregalis. Snivy (Ophioregalis phyllus), Servine (Ophioregalis principus), and Serperior (Ophioregalis intimidatus) 

Figure 2: One of three starter Pokémon, Snivy (Ophioregalis phyllus). The larval, or base form of the Ophioregalis evolutionary family. Note the apical tail-leaf used for photosynthesis, and camouflage. Vines protrude from scales at the base of the neck

Figure 4: The second stage of the Ophioregalis line, Servine (O. principus). Ornate collar scales at the base of the neck, used for display to the opposite sex. Dorsal leaves increase the photosynthetic output of this species; forelimbs have been reduced to 'hands' protruding from the side of the organism

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Figure 5: The final stage of the snivy family, Serperior (Ophioregalis intimidatus) in a characteristic, regal stance. Elaborate scale modifications give the appearance of foliage; aiding camouflage and prey capture. Forelimbs have been reduced to two-digit leafy appendages