In the dark jungles of the deepest regions of Subterramundus lurks a very different kind of tyrannosaur. Nyctovenator obscurus is a mid-sized tyrannosaurid that stands out from its relatives by being small, nocturnal and primarily hunting large mammals.
Nyctovenator are quite distinct from other subterramundean tyrannosaurs. They lack tall horns, are almost fully feathered and bear unusually long arms. Large feathery facial disks similar to those of owls or kakapos allow them to pinpoint prey in extreme darkness and to detect other members of their species over vast distances.
Their short jaws are surprisingly strong and are equipped with serrated, backwards curving teeth which aids the tyrannosaur in gripping and tearing. This allows nyctovenator to grab and hold onto struggling prey while inflicting deadly wounds with their claws and biting through muscle and bone. Thick neck muscles allow them to firmly hold onto struggling prey or jerk about to quickly break bones.
Nyctovenator hunt a variety of dinosaurian and mammalian prey from primates and xenarthrans to thescelosaurs and the young sauropods that often seek shelter in the dense jungles of the deeper regions of Subterramundus.
As is the case in more open terrain, many of the animals of the dense jungles pose a significant threat to the predator and are more than capable of fighting back and killing even a fully grown nyctovenator.
The coat of long feathers protects the body to some extent from blows and slashes of dangerous prey, but it is not always reliable when dealing with particularly brutal foes. Most mothers will prefer to take on smaller game until the young can help or fend for themselves. This adaptability allows nyctovenator to thrive in the dense jungles of subterramundus.
Nyctovenator do not mate for life. Like the larger tyrannosaurs, males claim a territory and rely on females to come to them. Within the heart of their territory, male nyctovenator prepare a large empty clearing in which they use their deep wailing calls to signal their suitability to nearby females. Once a female arrives he performs a similar dance to therosaurus which shows off his condition and capabilities. Should the female deem him worthy, she will stay with him for several days and mate with him several times. Once their eggs hatch, the female wanders off, leaving the male alone again.
However this does not mean they will never meet again. Nyctovenator are quite intelligent and can remember where prey, danger and other nyctovenators are to be found. Should a female not find a suitable partner next time when she is ready to mate, she will return to the last male she mated with.