Cynos

Cynos are small herbivorous fanged wyverns that were first introduced in Monster Hunter: Evolution.

Physiology
Cynos are small, quadrupedal, rust colored wyverns, despite their physical difference, Cynos are actually female Cynodama. Their most defining trait is their boxy beaked skull that is covered in tiny hornlets and a small pair of tusks and their frilled backs. Their bodies are held low to the ground and have sprawling leg structures making them look lizard-like in form.

Behavior
Cynos are commonly seen following the alpha male Cynodama when it wonders from area to area. When attacked they will let out a cry to call for the males aid, they will occasionally support the male when it is fighting threats.

Abilities
Cynos will swarm potential threats in an instant, and will swarm around their leader Cynodama when it calls for them. They are capable of delivering painful bites with their beaked jaws and burrowing thanks to their hoof-like claws.

Taxonomy
Cynos is the female version of the larger Cynodama, despite their appearance being similar to ancient dicynodonts, their traits are purely convergent. They are closely related to other Fanged Wyverns such as Odorein, Dodogama and Alvareon.
 * Kingdom: Animalia
 * Phylum: Chordata
 * Clade: Archosauromorpha
 * Order: Rhynchosauria
 * Suborder: Neoanomodontia
 * Family: Paradicynodontoidea
 * Subfamily: Dicynodontolophinae
 * Genus: Cynodama
 * Species: C. lisowicia

Habitat Range
Cynos are well adapted to life in rugged, arid landscapes. These creatures are most commonly seen in the Ancient Basin, Salt Plains and Wildspire Waste of the New World.

Ecological Niche
One of few common desert herbivores, Cynos are found living in some of the harshest environments imaginable. Cynos commonly serve as prey for many of the predatory species of monsters their share their environment with. These monsters are commonly preyed on by monsters like the land fish Delex, the desert dwelling amphibian Nibelsnarf and the subterranean leviathan Pirhaktor. Their diet is consisted of underground roots, tubers and fungi. This diet allows them to avoid competition with other feisty desert dwelling herbivores.

Biological Adaptations
Cynos have strong hoof-like claws that are useful for digging burrows to escape predators as well as an armored frill located on their back for defense. Their powerful beaks are capable of shearing vegetation with ease and their long tails can deliver a painful blow.

Behavior
Like their male counterpart, Cynos are surprisingly territorial for an herbivorous monster. Individually they are rather timid, but when encountered in numbers or backed up by an alpha male, they will attack foes ferociously. They are known to dig large underground burrows where the nest communally.

Trivia

 * Cynos is inspired by many real life animals, its general body shape is inspired by Dicynodonts like Placerias and Rhynchosaurs like Hyperodapedon