Graineag

The Graineag is a small spiny mammal, found mostly in forests and grasslands. It is a generally common and widely distributed species that can survive across a wide range of habitat types. The species is largely nocturnal. It has a hesitant gait, frequently stopping to smell the air. The Graineag hibernates in the winter. However, most wake at least once to move their nests during this time.

Most of the Graineag body is covered by up to 6,000 spines. If alarmed, the animal will roll into a ball to protect itself. Many potential predators are repelled my its spines, but predication does occur.

They are solitary in nature, with mature males behaving aggressively towards each other. Occasionally, a male and a female may share a hibernating spot.

The Graineag is omnivorous, feeding mainly on invertebrates. It's died includes, slugs, earthworms, beetles, caterpillars and other insects. Some fruits and mushrooms may supplement their diet.

Environmental adaptation
The Graineag is a species which goes through complete triannual physiological change, depending on the season.

In summer, the only example of sexual dimorphism in the species shows, when the spines on an adult female Graineag sprout leaves and fruits, while the males only sprout leaves. This only occurs for females while they are raising their young, and the fruits are used to supplement the kits feeding when other sources of food are unavailable.

In winter, the Graineag's pelt and spines turn to a mottled dark blue and white colour. This is to aid them with camouflage against granite rocksduring hibernation, when the species is usually at their most vulnerable.

Between summer and winter, the Graineag has a cream coloured pelt and brown and white spines.